Refugees in Malaysia live on the precipice of danger - fleeing persecution in their own country, while facing social and financial insecurity in a foreign land. Contrary to popular perception, refugees aren't given a free ride in Malaysia - they're subjected to the same rules and policies that apply to all foreigners, such as paying for medical treatment at government hospitals and clinics. We speak to Dr Susheela Balasundaram, UNHCR Community-based Protection Officer, and Dr Siti Noraida Bt Mohamad Habibullah, Founder of refugee clinic Klinik Amal Muhajir, to find out how refugees cope with their healthcare needs, and how UNHCR’s Refugee Medical Insurance scheme provides a safety net that allows refugee communities to be more self-sustaining.

Image Credit: Klinik Amal Mujahir's Facebook

Produced by: Tee Shiao Eek, Muhammad Naufal Ubaidi

Presented by: Tee Shiao Eek

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Categories:  Law/Activism,  health policy

Tags:  the bigger picture,  health & living,  refugees,  human rights,  unhcr,  health insurance,  medical discrimination,  xenophobia,