Working together for public health.
Italy's recent economic growth and strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea have made it a prime destination for immigrants and asylum seekers in Europe. Despite its well-developed health care system, statistics on foreign citizens' health are worrisome. In 1998 public health services were extended to illegal immigrants, giving them the right to necessary urgent and non-urgent medical assistance, even for a prolonged period. This paper examines a two-year joint intervention project between Centre for the Study and Research of Public Health (Mental Health), Local Health Agency ROMA E (LHA RME) and the non-governmental organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Rome.
Martelli
Pompeo
P
Center for the Study and Research of Public Health, Local Health Authority Roma E, Rome, Italy. pompeo.martelli@asl-rme.it
D054521:Cultural Competency; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012036:Refugees / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*