Download pdf about us, 36 Kb


An introduction to the Delta Foundation Health Care Network for Hidden Refugees in Skåne

The Delta Foundation was established in Malmö in 2001 by a group of people working within health care, with the aim to improve access to health care for hidden refugees.

In the spring of 2007 the Delta Foundation teamed with Asylgruppen (Asylum Group) in Malmö to open a health care reception for hidden refugees. Known as the Delta Foundation Health Care Network For Hidden Refugees in Skåne (Deltastiftelsen), it is staffed and run by volunteers from the Delta Foundation, Asylum Group, the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) and other individuals. It is not affiliated with any political or religious organisations and is funded entirely by donations.

According to the Health and Medical Services Act (1982:763, sect. 2) the goal of health and medical services is to assure good and equal health care for the entire population and that the care provided be prioritised according to need. Asylum seekers and hidden refugees deal with, more or less, the same diseases as Swedish citizens and, therefore, require access to the same level of health care.

Under the current system, hidden refugee children have the same right to health care as children seeking asylum and all other children in Sweden. Hidden refugees over the age of 18 have the right to emergency care but they must pay for this themselves. An emergency visit to a doctor in Primary Health Care costs 845 Swedish kronor and a visit to the hospital costs 3,000 kronor or more. Not surprisingly, the majority of hidden refugees over the age of 18 cannot afford health care. Others do not seek health care out of fear of being reported to the Migration Board or the police. It is for this reason we decided to open a reception in Malmö for hidden refugees.

The reception is open, until further notice, one evening every second week and all appointments are booked through our on-duty telephone. Visits are free of cost and handled discretely. Professionals working at the reception include doctors, registered nurses, midwives, psychiatrists and counsellors. Contacts and appointments with dentists or opticians can also be arranged through the reception. All of our work is done according to Swedish law.

We welcome your questions and enquiries. Please contact us through the email address below.

deltastiftelsen@gmail.com

Phone 0739-08482