Government bears responsibility because it designed and paid for the systems in Nauru and Papua New Guinea, says UNHCRThe United Nations has called on Australia to immediately evacuate its offshore detention centres to prevent an unfolding health crisis. “UNHCR does not agree with the government of Australia’s assertion that such cases are solely ‘matters for Papua New Guinea and Nauru’,” she said. The Australian government contracts International Health and Medical Services and Pacific International Hospital to provide medical aid at Nauru and PNG respectively but the UN described their services as “limited”. “Through the Australian government’s contracted health services provider, general practitioner, nursing and mental healthcare clinics are open seven days a week. “There are 65 contracted health professionals, including 33 mental health professionals providing services to transferees on Nauru.

Source: The Guardian October 13, 2018 03:56 UTC