MSF psychiatrists and psychologists were among the only independent medical professionals to work directly with patients on Nauru until being forced out in October 2018. MSF’s findings after 11 months of operating an independent mental health treatment service on Nauru was that curative treatment for the overwhelming majority of cases was not possible whilst the key stressors of uncertainty, isolation and family separation on Nauru remained.
MSF data and medical experience with patients on Nauru demonstrates that dangerous mental health impacts are a predictable consequence of the operation of Australia’s border protection policies in so far as they continue to keep people indefinitely contained on Nauru.
“Our December 2018 report 'Indefinite Despair', was submitted to the Senate Inquiry along with key recommendations, detailing how existing psychiatric care facilities on Nauru were inadequate for the level of need we saw. Médecins Sans Frontières continues to call for the immediate evacuation of all refugees and asylum seekers contained on Nauru and Manus Island to a place of safety where they can rebuild their lives,” says Dr Stewart Condon, President, MSF Australia.
“Until then, patients should have unfettered access to consult with medical doctors, and medical doctors should remain at liberty to offer medical advice and opinion, including recommending medical evacuation to Australia when necessary.”