Syrian refugees' healthcare needs require preparation

Healthcare providers in B.C. are preparing for the arrival of at least 400 refugeesin the next monthand anticipatingpossible medical issues includingcommunicable diseases, immunizations and mental health.

All refugees are screened before they are allowed to board a plane to Canada, saysDr. Bonnie Henry, the province's deputyhealth officer.

But she says just because a refugee has a medical condition, doesn't mean they cannot come to Canada after health professionals ensure they do not pose a health risk to Canadians.

"For refugees, people who are fleeing persecution like the Syrian refugees are, there's no medical condition that would exclude them from coming to Canada,"said Dr. Henry.

Contagious diseases

Refugees are screened by Citizenship andImmigration Canada before they are allowed in. Dr. Henry saysany contagious diseases will be treated before they get on the plane, not after.

• Read more: Refugees in B.C.

"The medical screening that's done there is quite extensive. They'll make sure that there's nothing urgent that we would need to be concerned about."

She also maintainsSyria had a good healthcare system prior to the war.

Immunizations

However, access to immunization resources in Syria may have been limited in recent years because of the war. That's something B.C. health professionals are "keeping an eye on," said Dr. Henry.

"That is one of the concerns that we have, that people have been in very unstable situations, sometime for several yearsand they may not have access to immunization programs."

Vaccinations for refugees will be conducted when they get to Canada, saysDr. Henry.

Stability as healthcare

One of the most important things for refugees when they arrive in Canada is to find some stability, she says. That means stable housing.

"The most important, pressing need right now is safety, stability, some housing."

Healthcare providers are also thinking about the mental health needs for refugees.

"That is something we're preparing for in the future, Over the next month to years, to be able to support people in that," said Dr. Henry.

"I think we need to remember that refugees tend to be very resilient."

To listen to the full audio, click the link labelled:B.C. Deputy Health Officer on refugee health.