Improved Overseas Medical Examinations and Treatment Can Reduce Serious Diseases in Indochinese Refugees Entering the United States

摘要

Several barriers exist which hinder the ability of health departments to effectively deal with refugees' health problems after they arrive in the United States. GAO is recommending that the overseas medical examination of refugees be improved, that treatment for certain diseases be initiated and completed overseas before the refugees are allowed to enter the United States, and that medical waivers be granted only when there are compelling reasons to do so. GAO believes the cost to perform more thorough medical examinations overseas is modest when compared to the cost to deal with refugees' medical problems after they enter the United States.