New rules on treating failed asylum seekers “do not go far enough,” says BMA

New proposals from the government give some failed asylum seekers in England access to free NHS treatment, but the BMA has criticised the proposals for “not going far enough.”

A joint review by the Department of Health and the Home Office has said that some asylum seekers whose claims have been refused but who cannot return home should not be denied free NHS treatment.

Most failed asylum seekers will still be charged for secondary care services. But unaccompanied children (including those in local authority care) and failed asylum seekers who are getting UK Border Agency support because they have children or have legitimate reasons for being unable to return to their home …