Health System Responses to the Health Needs of Refugees and Asylum-seekers in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

Fiona Leh Hoon Chuah, Sok Teng Tan, Jason Yeo and Helena Legido-Quigley
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Fiona Leh Hoon Chuah: Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2 #10-01, Tahir Foundation Building, Singapore 117549, Singapore
Sok Teng Tan: Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2 #10-01, Tahir Foundation Building, Singapore 117549, Singapore
Jason Yeo: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Malaysia, 570, Jalan Bukit Petaling, Bukit Petaling, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur 50460, Malaysia
Helena Legido-Quigley: Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2 #10-01, Tahir Foundation Building, Singapore 117549, Singapore

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-21

Abstract: Background : This study was conducted to examine the responses and challenges in addressing the health needs of refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia from a health systems and policy perspective. Methods : Twenty semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants comprising experts, healthcare professionals and program personnel with professional experience in refugee health issues. Deductive and inductive analyses were conducted to identify themes. Results : Our study identified a broad range of actors involved in the response to refugee health locally, of which a greater alignment of interests, collaboration and sharing of responsibility is needed. From a health systems and policy perspective, financial constraints are among the key challenges in addressing the health needs of the refugee and asylum-seeker population in Malaysia. While participants reported high quality healthcare being present in Malaysia, this was not affordable to refugees and asylum seekers. Cultural and language discordance are also key challenges faced by healthcare workers in the delivery of services; accentuating the need for greater cultural competence and language support. Improved access to medication is needed for those with chronic illnesses in order to effectively address the comprehensive health needs of the refugee and asylum-seeker population. Conclusions : Suggested ways forward include adopting a comprehensive health advocacy strategy grounded in the right to healthcare for all; adopting a multi-sectoral approach; tackling the social determinants of health; seeking diversified funding at the global and national level; and improving coordination and collaboration between the various actors.

Keywords: Malaysia; refugees; asylum-seekers; urban refugees; health needs; health systems; health policy; forced migration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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