The NSW Refugee Health Plan 2022-2027 will ensure that people from refugee backgrounds have better access to healthcare communicated in their preferred language to improve their health and wellbeing.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the NSW Government’s investment of $15 million into the NSW Refugee Health Plan 2022-2027, on top of the $20 million it already provides annually to support refugee health.
“The Plan not only recognizes that refugees have unique healthcare needs, but has priority issues such as communication in preferred language, cultural responsiveness of care and targeted promotion and education at its heart,” Ms Cooke said.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that refugees who live or arrive in the area have the best access to appropriate health care services.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the plan was developed in collaboration with people from refugee backgrounds to improve access to healthcare that is culturally responsive and takes into account the impact of traumatic life experiences.
“People from refugee backgrounds, including those seeking asylum, make an incredible contribution to Australia’s social, cultural and economic life, and it’s vital that they have equitable access to healthcare to give themselves and their families a bright future,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Seeking healthcare can be a challenge for people from refugee backgrounds, and this plan will help them access and navigate the right health services when needed while overcoming any communication hurdles, in both country and city areas.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said ensuring refugees can access proper healthcare for themselves and their families is fundamental to their settlement journey in NSW.
“As humanitarian crises continue to grip the world, we are seeing more people asking to come to NSW to find safe haven,” Mr Coure said.
“Their settlement journey, however, doesn’t end once they arrive—it also includes ensuring they can have ongoing access relevant services, like healthcare. This plan sets out a pathway for people of refugee backgrounds to access specialised, culturally responsive healthcare in NSW.”
For further information on The NSW Refugee Health Plan 2022-2027 please visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/multicultural/Pages/refugee-health-policy.aspx
For more information about NSW Health’s specialised refugee health services across the electorate visit:
Murrumbidgee LHD
Western Sydney LHD
