Canada considers reversing planned reductions to refugee healthcare program

Healthcare Program for Refugees and Asylum Seekers to Face Co-Payments on May 1

A rally was held in Toronto on Tuesday as part of a national day of action against planned cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides basic health coverage to refugees, asylum claimants, and others not covered by other healthcare programs in Canada. The changes are set to take effect on May 1.

Critics argue that the co-payments will put vulnerable individuals at risk and lead to higher costs in the long run. Dr. Ritika Goel stated, “We want to ensure a universal healthcare system and support those who need care.”

The Canadian government announced changes to the IFHP in late January, which includes introducing $4 per eligible prescription medication co-payments for recipients of the program. As of next month, individuals receiving IFHP coverage will also have to pay 30 percent of the cost of supplemental services such as dental and vision care, and counselling.

A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that introducing co-payments helps manage growing demand and keeps the program sustainable over time. The changes aim to make the program fair and consistent with other publicly funded health insurance programs.

However, doctors and refugee rights advocates argue that the new co-payments can be prohibitively expensive for newcomers struggling to rebuild their lives in Canada amid soaring costs. Aisling Bondy, president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, expressed concern over the impact on vulnerable individuals who have experienced physical and psychological trauma.

The cuts come as views towards refugees and migrants in Canada have soured in recent years due to rising living costs and an affordable housing shortage. The government has also made significant budget cuts across various departments amid economic uncertainty.

Source: Al Jazeera