Gesundheitswesen
Volume 79, Issue 8-9, 2017, Pages 599-604

Health Care for Refugees: Challenges and Opportunities in Hamburg [Medizinische Versorgung von Flüchtlingen: Chancen und Herausforderungen in Hamburg - ein Praxisbericht] (Article)

Jakubowski E. , Rau C.* , Quellhorst S. , Sothmann P. , Plenge-Bönig A. , Niessen J.
  • a Institut für Epidemiologie, Sozialmedizin und Gesundheitssystemforschung, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
  • b AKK Altonaer Kinderkrankenhaus GGmbH, Fachabteilung Pädiatrie, Bleickenallee 38, Hamburg, 22763, Germany
  • c Fachamt Gesundheit, Bezirksamt Altona-Hamburg, Germany
  • d Sektion Infektiologie und Tropenmedizin, I. Medizinische Klinik, Poliklinik Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
  • e Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg, Institut für Hygiene und Umwelt, Infektionsepidemiologisches Landeszentrum, Hamburg, Germany
  • f Fachamt Gesundheit, Bezirksamt Altona-Hamburg, Germany

Abstract

The massive increase in the number of refugees represents a great challenge to German cities. In Hamburg, 40 868 asylum seekers were registered in 2015, of which 22 315 remained in the city. The goal of the health administration is to provide primary medical care in response to specific health risks and needs of refugees while allowing them to be swiftly integrated into the standard health care system. Public authorities, charities and civil society are working hand in hand. In all reception centres in Hamburg, medical consultations with translation services are offered in fully equipped medical container practices. For every 1 000 refugees, a full-time doctor and a medical assistant are available. In addition to contractual staff, employees of contractually integrated hospitals are participating in the provision of medical care. Systematic collection of data on the health condition of the refugees as well as strengthening public health services are key factors in the planning and improvement of services in the future. Healthier living conditions and access to the standard health care system provide an opportunity to facilitate successful integration of refugees into society. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Author Keywords

Asylum seekers Refugees Epidemiological monitoring Immigration Hamburg public health service

Index Keywords

patient care National Health Programs Germany refugee human Refugees statistics and numerical data health service volunteer Volunteers Health Services Needs and Demand Humans Voluntary Health Agencies male female patient referral Referral and Consultation pregnancy refugee camp Refugee Camps organization and management adult Delivery of Health Care Patient Care Team public health health care delivery Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020489214&doi=10.1055%2fs-0043-101513&partnerID=40&md5=f5ce73eed17f120a5730fb9c79cf4872
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-101513
ISSN: 09413790
Original Language: German