One of the biggest issues that refugees face is lack of access to health care, with all the expenses piling up: rent, heat, and food. Refugees are not able to afford to go to the doctor for regular check ups or get medicine for chronic illnesses. “Refugees don’t get any sort of medical support and if we do it’s most likely too late,” says Jamal, one of the refugees attending CRP’s Medical Day. Every few months, CRP opens our doors and partners with The IMANA Medical Relief (IMR) and United Muslim Relief (UMR) to provide free medical services to our community.
Many people live with post-war injuries and illnesses, both physical and mental, that they can’t treat. Too busy worrying about providing a living, health care is almost a fantasy for most refugees. “War had so many lifelong effects of us refugees, chronic illness like diabetes and blood pressure issues are just the beginning,” says Jamal.
During Medical Days, CRP works with IMR and UMR to provide check ups, consultations, and basic medicine. Approximately every three months CRP puts all of its programs on hold for two days and provides space for the many doctors such as physiotherapists, pediatricians, gynecologists, and General practitioners to come and offer their services. While serving about 200 people per day, it’s a great opportunity for people don’t have access to health care to do check ups and acquire some medicine.
While Syrian refugees had access to public health care in the past, this is no longer the case. As of February 2018 Syrian refugees have to pay 80% increased fees for health care as foreigner fees. This means less access to health care for the refugees living in urban areas of Jordan
Our partnership with IMR and UMR provide both mental and physical health assistance, mental through peace of mind, and feeling safer after a check up. Regular access to healthcare helps refugees both treat and prevent illnesses.