ACCESS OF MIGRANTS TO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE UNITS

Introduction: The high influx of immigrants and refugees into European and Greek territory and their difficult living conditions make it imperative to protect public health and develop effective primary health care delivery strategies. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the access of migrants to Primary Health Care in their host country as well as and example of Greece. Methodology: The methodology follow included exploration of research and review studies in the database Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar ,the link of the Hellenic Academic Libraries (HEAL-Link),as well as, in books, scientific journals and websites. Results: Protecting the health of migrants and giving them access to primary care is an inalienable right and vital to their integration into their host country. Nevertheless, the needs of immigrants have not been met in Primary health care in all host countries, as well as in Greece. Their main obstacle is the language and the lack of communication between patients and doctors and health scientists in general, as well as the lack of information and time pressure, as a result of which they cannot be served. Conclusions: Although much progress has been made in addressing the health needs of migrants, barriers to accessing health care in primary health care facilities need to be overcome