UK’s NHS to require health insurance to enter country?
An article from the BBC Friday details some proposals to crack down on health care given to “refugees, migrants, and foreign nationals”. They may target “health tourists” who come for treatment but fail to pay for it, refuse entry to foreigners owing money for health care, and possibly provide a list of migrants with treatment debts to immigration officials.
Immigration minister Phil Woolas said: “The government believes that those who take advantage of our hospitality should respect that hospitality or face consequences.”
He added: “For the first time the UK’s immigration rules would state explicitly that a record of failing to discharge payment obligations to the National Health Service will impact upon a person’s ability to enter and stay in this country.”
Health minister Mike O’Brien said: “Whilst the NHS has a duty to any person whose life or long-term health is at immediate risk, we cannot afford to be an international health service, providing free treatment for all.”
DUH.
February 28, 2010
Posted in: National
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