PANOS EFSTATHIOU, MD, Ph.D. NATIONAL HEALTH OPERATIONS CENTRE COMMANDER
The establishment of the migrants detention centres was the best way to reduce and gradually abate the negative impacts of thousands illegal migrants in Greece. IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE The vast majority of immigrants in Greece remained undocumented until the first legalization process in 1997-1998.
The main features of this migration period were: informality temporariness employment in the "informal" economy and mass deportations
IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE
In our country live between 800,000 to 1,000,000 foreign nationals amounting to 7.3% of the total population.
IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE
More than half are coming from Albania and an additional 16.2% from Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
In recent years we have seen a large influx of immigrants from Asian countries and the Middle East
IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE
In Greece, the legal term foreign" refers to all those who do not have the Greek nationality, but essentially it is used only for third countries nationals excluding EU citizens
CATEGORIES OF FOREIGNERS IN GREECE
Foreign citizens who live and work in Greece and have residence permits
Foreign citizens who live and work in Greece and DONT have residence permits
CATEGORIES OF FOREIGNERS IN GREECE
Asylum seekers Refugees who live and work in Greece Repatriated Greeks of Greek origin Unaccompanied underage migrants
IMMIGRANTS HEALTH PROFILE
Tuberculosis 1 2 3 Hepatitis HIV/AIDS IMMIGRANTS HEALTH PROFILE
Scabies
4 5 6 Suicide Attempts Chronic Health problems IMMIGRANTS HEALTH PROFILE
IMMIGRANT Stress Somatization Emotional disorders Psychotic disorders PROBLEMS SOURCE 1. Detention of unaccompanied minors - often in the same places as adults.
2. Detention of people from war zones - such as Syrians - with serious psychological burden, such as post-traumatic stress syndrome.
3. Failure of the State to provide the continuity of ongoing health interventions with many months discontinuance that causes immigrants limited access to health care PROBLEMS SOURCE
4. Serious obstacles to interface with local health units.
5. Lack of procedures for the initial assessment of the medical situation of newcomers immigrants.
6. Lack of provision for the immediate lifting of the detention process for serious medical incidents. PROBLEMS SOURCE 7. Lack of a monitoring system from the appropriate local health authorities (Regional Directorates of Public Health) with on-site visits in order to safeguard public health.
8. Lack of proper interpretation services resulting inadequate provision of psychosocial and other services, such as information services.
9. Big detention time IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE
A special category comprises of immigrants and asylum seekers accommodated in detention centers.
NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM (NHS) Access of immigrants to the NHS, is a key aspect of their integration in Greek society.
Immigrants of Greek origin (expatriates), can benefit from public health services if they provide the necessary documents.
NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM (NHS) Refugees and asylum seekers enjoy equal rights and access to healthcare as the Greek citizens
NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM (NHS)
Access to the NHS Is not allowed When it comes to minors and foreigners imported urgently for hospitalization there is an exception to the rule (Law 3386/2005/Article 84) IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE
For issues of detention, safety, hygiene, and preservation of normality, it is necessary to apply a serious, scientific and humanitarian appropriate program to address the problem. IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE
In most cases, immigrants and especially immigrants progenies, lack access to health services and education and are exposed to acts of violence against them. Detention Centres must have: Residency Infirmary Area of staff residence Restrooms Restaurant Places of religion worship Fire department Sports field Entertainment DETENTION CENTRES MUST HAVE
The installation must have triple link fence (NATO type) of 3 metres in height Custody Cleaning
The role of supportive social networks and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is of great importance
Following a request from the Ministry of Public Order and Citizen Protection, the National Health Operations Centre (EKEPY) of the Ministry of Health, undertook the health coverage of migrants detentions centres. INSIDE THE DETENTION CENTRES Prevention Hygiene Information Comprehensive immigration policy MAIN PURPOSE
The purpose of the EKEPY Operational Plan is the recording of actions (interoperability) for Integrated Healthcare support at the detention centres which are under the jurisdiction of the Police ASSUMPTIONS 1. The immigrants detention centres within the Greek territory are in specific areas (former military camps and other buildings), and they can provide accommodation and safety facilities. 2. The security of these centres is under the responsibility of the Police
ASSUMPTIONS 3. In Immigrants Detention Centres there are facilities of water and electricity without major technical problems. 4. The Detention centers have telephone lines and alternative communication options.
ASSUMPTIONS 5. Feeding of immigrants is provided seamlessly under Polices care.
6. The transportation to and from the centres is under the responsibility of the Police
7. With concern of the Police there is a translator in each detention centre
OPERATIONAL PLAN BASIC PRINCIPLES Health coverage of immigrants is under the responsibility of the State and is one of the main principles concerning human rights as laid down by the World Health Organization.
HEALTH COVERAGE LEVELS
1. Health Coverage in the detention centre
2. Health Coverage out of the detention centre
3. Special Health Coverage procedures
HEALTH COVERAGE IN THE CENTRE Medical station A Type Medical station B Type Medical station C Type Medicines and other health products for each station type HEALTH COVERAGE OUT OF THE CENTRE Epidemiological surveillance Medical transfer Laboratory tests Nursing
SPECIAL HEALTH COVERAGE PROCEDURES Psychological & Psychiatric Support Preventive medicine Vaccinations Communicable diseases
E.K.EP.Y Health Support Management Team for Detention Centers in Athens and Macedonia and Thrace
The whole project is financed by the European Return Fund