Asylum seekers to continue accessing free GP services

Gaby Hinsliff:

The government is ready to scrap controversial plans to clamp down on so-called 'health tourism' among asylum seekers, following a revolt by doctors.

Ministers had threatened to withdraw the right to free GP treatment from asylum seekers whose claims were rejected, forcing them to pay for care privately or go without in all cases except emergencies. However, doctors have argued the move would be unethical and potentially illegal, with some saying they would treat patients regardless of any new rules.

The Home Office and Department of Health - which was due to publish its decision later this month - are understood to be reconsidering their position after conceding that there was no proof that free primary care was encouraging refugees to come to Britain.

'Healthcare should not be a magnet, but there isn't any evidence that primary care is a draw for people choosing the UK as a destination,' said a senior Whitehall source. 'People in that category are often the most vulnerable, they may have communicable diseases, and therefore the view of ministers is that they shouldn't be denied primary care.'

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