[Healthcare for asylum seekers and refugees: our country can do better]

Abstract

The article 'Mental and physical health problems of and the use of healthcare by Afghan, Iranian and Somali asylum seekers and refugees' in this issue shows, as expected, that the health status of all three groups is poorer than that of the Dutch population. Even worse is that the care offered is far from optimal. To interpret these results, it would be important to know who the asylum seekers and refugees are in comparison with their fellow countrymen in their countries of origin, to have a better understanding of the background of their health problems, and to view the care offered to these people critically. Since they are a very heterogeneous and relatively small group, it is not easy to organise appropriate care for asylum seekers and refugees. Although attempts are being made to improve the situation, Dutch society should invest more so as to provide the same quality of care to its guests as it provides for its own population.