In a compassionate initiative, the state of Victoria in Australia is set to provide free healthcare to individuals escaping the conflict in Gaza, calling for other states to follow suit.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas is scheduled to announce the program, ensuring that those not eligible for Medicare due to their visa status will have access to essential healthcare, specialized mental health support, and language services.
This move comes after New South Wales declared in early December its commitment to offering free hospital emergency care, certain surgeries, outpatient services, hospital tests, limited emergency dental care, maternity care, mental health care, ambulance services, and interpreter services to individuals fleeing the conflict.
Victoria’s program, however, takes a more comprehensive approach.
It encompasses care in public hospitals, public dental services, maternal child health, as well as assistance from community health providers, priority primary care centers, local mental health and wellbeing hubs, and specialized refugee and asylum seeker health services.
Mary-Anne Thomas emphasized that this support aligns with the assistance provided to asylum seekers and refugees, stating, “For people escaping the devastating humanitarian crisis that is occurring in Palestine and Israel, the displacement and trauma of conflict is unimaginable – so we’re proud to be supporting those who arrive in Victoria by providing free, accessible public healthcare.”
Anticipating that a majority of arrivals will be women and children with unidentified healthcare needs, including medication and diagnostics related to chronic health conditions and trauma, the health department emphasizes the importance of health services offering influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations.
Dr. Mohamad Assoum, an epidemiologist and global health specialist, lauded Victoria’s commitment, urging other states and territories to follow suit.
Highlighting the dire health conditions faced by those coming from Gaza, he emphasized the severe impact of embargoes imposed by the IDF and the Israeli government, leading to acute malnutrition, dehydration, and traumatic physical injuries, including amputations and loss of vision.
Recognizing the likely ongoing trauma and mental health effects, especially for children, Assoum emphasized the urgency of prioritizing healthcare for this vulnerable population.
