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Department of Home Affairs needs doctor as Chief Medical Officer: RACGP President
The fact a non-doctor has been acting as the Department of Home Affairs’ Chief Medical Officer since October 2017 is untenable and neglects the health and safety of asylum seeker and refugee patients, RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel told newsGP.
Dr Bastian Seidel is concerned the health of refugees and asylum seekers may be neglected without a doctor in the role of Chief Medical Officer. (Image: Hass Hassaballa)
‘Asylum seekers and refugees have now been left without a dedicated medical advocate in the Department of Home Affairs for over six months. This is unacceptable,’ Dr Bastian Seidel told newsGP. ‘This role must be filled urgently to address the health and safety of these vulnerable people.’
The Department of Home Affairs’ First Assistant Secretary, Elizabeth Hampton, replaced previous Chief Medical Officer, Dr John Brayley, in an acting capacity in October last year. The vacant role was advertised in late 2017; however, applications closed on 31 January 2018 and no appointment appears imminent.
When newsGP contacted the Department of Home Affairs about the current status of the role, a spokesperson replied, ‘The process to fill the position of Chief Medical Officer is ongoing’.
While she receives advice from up to 12 healthcare practitioners, questions remain about the efficacy of Hampton advising the department on the health issues of asylum seekers and refugees.
‘These are some of the most vulnerable and distressed patients healthcare professionals are likely to encounter,’ Dr Seidel said. ‘It beggars belief that the Department of Home Affairs continues to drag its feet on appointing an appropriate professional for the role of Chief Medical Officer.
‘The Australian Government needs to act in order to uphold its ethical obligations in accordance with international law and human rights standards.’
Once a new Chief Medical Officer is appointed, Dr Seidel is eager to provide the RACGP’s expert assistance and advice.
‘We look forward to working with a new Chief Medical Officer to address the health and safety issues in Australia’s offshore detention centres,’ he said.
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