Health Ministry Expands Support: Comprehensive Services for Refugees in Border Provinces

In a commendable effort to support refugees, particularly in the eastern regions of South Khorasan, northeastern Khorasan Razavi, and southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan provinces, the Iranian Ministry of Health has rolled out an extensive range of healthcare services. These initiatives primarily aim to ensure the health and well-being of refugee populations through various medical and sanitary measures.

The health ministry has implemented both permanent and temporary health camps to facilitate comprehensive screening and provide critical medical services. Key offerings include:

• Establishment of Health Camps: These camps serve as hubs for medical support and disease screening.
• Screening of Communicable Diseases: The ministry conducts thorough assessments for 14 contagious diseases.
• Provision of Safe Water and Sanitation: Ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities is a top priority.

The ministry’s approach also emphasizes the following initiatives:

• Ongoing Water and Food Sampling: Regular testing ensures the safety of consumables.
• Disinfection of Drinking Water: This is critical to preventing waterborne diseases.
• Infectious Waste Management: Proper disposal methods are employed to maintain environmental hygiene.
• Monitoring Disease Transmission: The ministry actively tracks diseases such as Malaria and Cholera.

Moreover, the health ministry has optimized its referral management system, providing health services to an average of over 5,000 individuals during peak times. The enhancement of camp facilities includes:

• Increase in Human Resources: More medical professionals are available to assist refugees.
• Improved Equipment and Temporary Beds: These upgrades help accommodate more patients.
• Efficient Coordination and Logistical Support: This ensures quick access to essential medical supplies, including disinfectants and personal protective equipment.

At the Dogharon border terminal in Taybad, northeastern Khorasan Razavi province, approximately 36,000 undocumented Afghan refugees have accessed vital medical services as they prepare to return home. According to Soudabeh Nekouhi, an official with the health ministry, these refugees received:

• Medical Consultations: Physicians were on hand to address health concerns.
• Nursing Services: Patients received necessary care and attention.
• Hygiene Education: Refugees were informed about practices to prevent communicable diseases.
• Testing for Suspicious Cases: Individuals showing symptoms were tested for various diseases.

Common health issues reported among refugees included heatstroke, food poisoning, and high blood pressure. Since the beginning of the current Iranian year on March 21, medical products valued at approximately one billion rials (around $1,150) have been distributed to undocumented refugees in Dogharon. Furthermore, 22,492 Afghans who have legally entered Iran were screened, and 10,753 individuals received vaccinations as part of the ministry’s prevention program.

Nekouhi highlighted that all Afghan nationals, of whom 85 percent are men, are screened and tested for 16 different diseases to ensure their health and safety. Since the start of the current Iranian year, more than 800,000 unauthorized Afghans have returned to Afghanistan, with 80 percent of these departures being voluntary.

Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni clarified that the government does not intend to deport documented or authorized refugees. “We are only deporting the two million Afghans who are illegally residing in Iran,” he stated.

In summary, the Iranian Ministry of Health is taking significant steps to enhance health services for refugees, prioritizing the prevention of communicable diseases and ensuring access to essential medical care. Through comprehensive screening, educational programs, and logistical improvements, the ministry is committed to safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations in the region.