No stopping exodus

Australia won’t intervene as Nauru gives doctors the boot

AUSTRALIA won’t stop Nauru kicking out doctors who were providing mental health treatment for asylum seekers.

Medecins Sans Frontieres, known as Doctors Without Borders, was given 24 hours to leave Nauru on Friday after being told its free psychological and psychiatric services were no longer required.

The organisation has provided mental health services to Nauruans and refugees, many of whom have reported severe problems, since November 2017.

“The relationship between Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Nauruan government is a matter for them,” Health Minister Greg Hunt told ABC radio yesterday.

“For us, we have been working with International Health and Medical Services, we will continue to focus on them.”

The abrupt dismissal follows a report by two prominent Australian refugee organisations saying most refugee children on Nauru are experiencing life-threatening mental health problems, including not eating or drinking and suicidal symptoms.

The refugees are on the tiny island after Australia transported them there when their boats were intercepted.

Australia funds a quarter of Nauru’s annual national budget, with more than $20 million of foreign aid each year.

“All relevant agencies work closely with the Nauruan government to ensure there are appropriate medical staff and others present on the island to deal with issues as they arise,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, adding a process was available for dealing with cases which could not be managed locally.

When asked about the mental health of refugee children on Nauru, Mr Hunt said the government’s tough border policy was vital to stopping deaths at sea and more boat arrivals would lead to a “massive spike” in people placed in detention.

Advocacy group Refugee Action Coalition and MSF fear asylum seeker mental health will worsen with MSF’s removal.