Doctors ring alarm over Manus Island health crisis
The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, will join Dr Barri Phatarfod and Dr Paddy McLisky from Doctors for
Refugees to discuss the deteriorating health situation on Manus Island.
“The situation on Manus Island is dire,” Mr Wilkie said.
“On top of what we already know about the dreadful conditions in the detention centre on Manus Island, the way in which
the Australian Government is managing the impending closure of the centre on 31 October is making a bad situation worse.
“Of particular concern is the impending withdrawal of medical care and torture and trauma support. Already we’re seeing
the improper dispensing of medications.
“Foxtrot Compound has already been shut down and there is no electricity, running water or drinking water for the men
who are there. And the East Lorengau transit accommodation that the Australian Government is pressuring the detainees to
relocate to is unsafe and lacks basic medical facilities.
“On top of this many people on Manus Island fear for their safety because of recent violent incidents and escalating
tensions within the community.
“The Australian Government has a duty of care to these people and at the moment it’s failing miserably. The only humane
solution is to immediately bring everyone on Manus and Nauru to Australia so their claims can be processed and they can
be given protection if their claims are genuine. At the very least, if the Government is going to imprison people
offshore they should ensure that they receive appropriate health care.
“The Government would have us believe that all the problems on Manus Island will be solved by the closure of the camp
and the deportation of some detainees to the United States. This is patent nonsense and the Government is being
downright dishonest again.”
ENDS