An uncertified refugee with a dialysis access placed in other country causing trouble with a prolonged hospital stay for 70 days.

Abstract

Upon accepting foreigners, medical facilities sometimes face problems such as availability of an interpreter, medical safety, religious differences, lawsuit risks, and uncollectible fees. Japan became the first country in Asia to initiate a third country resettlement program. Refugee support organizations like RHQ and ISSJ are working for refugee issues. We report a case of an uncertified and uninsured refugee troubled with a prolonged hospital stay for 70 days due to difficulty in obtaining the designated activities visa, utilizing free/Low-cost medical services, and having an interpreter. Every hospital should be prepared for cases that an uncertified refugee seeks medical assistance.