Offshore health crisis deepens: Advocates call on Labor to reinstate Medevac legislation

Doctors and human rights organisations, including the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and Amnesty International, have today backed the reintroduction of the Medevac legislation, calling it a vital lifeline for refugees and people seeking asylum abandoned by the Australian Government in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Nauru, where a worsening health crisis requires immediate action.

The previous Medevac legislation – supported by Labor, the Australian Greens and the Crossbench in 2018 and later repealed by a Liberal Government in 2019 – ensured critically ill refugees could access urgent medical treatment in Australia, which is not available in PNG and Nauru.

In PNG, 39 refugees remain abandoned without access to adequate medical care, 12 years after they were sent there. Over 100 people are now held on Nauru, including people recognised as refugees.

The ASRC understands a man with a heart condition was last week medically evacuated from Nauru to Brisbane, but there is no information as to his treatment plan or process for others to follow.

In January, a damning UN Human Rights committee found that Australia has a responsibility for those who arrive on our shores seeking safety and we abandon offshore.

A recent ASRC report revealed that:

• 20% facing life-threatening conditions
• 100% of refugees in PNG and 65% of those on Nauru suffer from physical health conditions
• 88% of refugees in PNG experience severe mental health issues, with 40% experiencing chronic suicidal ideation
• Many people report being denied medical treatment or asked to pay for care they cannot afford

The ASRC has worked closely with individuals stranded offshore and witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of inadequate healthcare.

Quotes attributable to:

Jana Favero, ASRC’s Deputy CEO:
“In 2018 politicians across the Parliament came together to address the health crisis offshore and put Doctors in charge of medical evacuations from PNG and Nauru. Six years later, the health crisis has worsened, yet refugees have been denied access to appropriate medical care. It’s hard to believe we are still having this debate when people’s lives are at risk.

“We are talking about a man with Dengue fever and pneumonia declined care and people who are in a catatonic state after 12 years of neglect. There is a real fear that someone else in our care will die. Politics poisons policy and politicians must stop playing with people’s lives – and act now to avoid further harm, suffering and neglect.”

Hamed,* refugee from PNG: 
“I’m sick for such a long time and stress about my situation here and I don’t know what to do so please do something. I need proper treatment and deserve a better life because I already spent 11 years here spoiling my life and nothing’s here in my hand. I’m waiting for a good life and freedom from here.”

Md Dr. Nilanthy Vigneswaran, Infectious Diseases Fellow:
“People held offshore and their families must be urgently brought to Australia for their healthcare needs to be addressed. Appropriate and accessible medical care is not subject to the whims of Australia’s immigration policies – they are fundamental and undeniable human rights.”

Zaki Haidari, Strategic Campaigner, at Amnesty International Australia:
“The Australian Government is morally and legally responsible for people seeking asylum it has warehoused offshore. It must not turn its back on sick people in desperate need of medical care.

“Amnesty International Australia supports revived Medevac laws to allow people stuck in limbo in Nauru and PNG to access necessary, life-saving care. We continue to call on the Government to permanently end the cruel and damaging policy of offshore processing.”

*Name has been changed to protect identity.

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Media queries
For more information or to organise an interview with people quoted, please contact Ogy at media@asrc.org.au or call/text 0412 034 821.