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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Jalan Upm, Serdang 43400, Selangor, 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
    Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Fiona Leh Hoon Chuah & Sok Teng Tan & Jason Yeo & Helena Legido-Quigley, 2019. "Health System Responses to the Health Needs of Refugees and Asylum-seekers in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:9:p:1584-:d:228650
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Morabia, A. & Benjamin, G.C., 2015. "The refugee crisis in the middle east and public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(12), pages 2405-2406.
    2. Norhidayu Sahimin & Yvonne A L Lim & Farnaza Ariffin & Jerzy M Behnke & John W Lewis & Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain, 2016. "Migrant Workers in Malaysia: Current Implications of Sociodemographic and Environmental Characteristics in the Transmission of Intestinal Parasitic Infections," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(11), pages 1-17, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sataporn Julchoo & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Pigunkaew Sinam & Watinee Kunpeuk & Nareerut Pudpong & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2021. "Analysis of Policies to Protect the Health of Urban Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thailand: A Qualitative Study and Delphi Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-13, October.
    2. Watinee Kunpeuk & Sataporn Julchoo & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Pigunkaew Sinam & Nareerut Pudpong & Tharani Loganathan & Huso Yi & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2022. "Access to Healthcare and Social Protection among Migrant Workers in Thailand before and during COVID-19 Era: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Surendran Rajaratnam & Azlinda Azman, 2022. "Refugee and Asylum Seeker Women’s Experiences with Healthcare and Social Environment in Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-15, May.

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