In his article in this issue,1 Taylor sets out a compelling critique of the fairness of government policy on charging failed asylum seekers for both primary and secondary medical care delivered by NHS staff or in NHS facilities. He argues that this is an unjust and irrational policy, which risks the health of failed asylum seekers, and also the public health, by discouraging them from seeking necessary treatment and preventative care. He shows that this exacerbates existing injustice to this vulnerable group, who typically start out in poorer health and are considerably worse off, in social and economic terms, than the general population. Moreover, as he points out, much of this relative disadvantage is created by government policy. For while the migrant may enter in poor health and with few resources, current policy acts to discourage or prevent him or her from improving his or her situation in any way other than leaving the country.
展开▼
