Refugees to get private medicine

Asylum seekers could get private health care under government plans to limit the strain on NHS doctors.

Officials from the Department of Health and the Home Office are talking with private companies about the possibility of providing doctors, nurses and psychiatrists for asylum seeker centres planned for rural Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire. The move comes amid concerns that the influx of asylum seekers would strain local health services.

Lord Hunt, a health minister, said in a Commons written answer last week: "The intention is to minimise the impact which the accommodation centres will have on local GPs and other local health services.

"The on-site health care will be provided under contract to the Home Office. Local GPs and other health services may be involved in the delivery of these services – alternatively, the on-site health care may be provided by other providers."

Whitehall sources stressed that discussions were in their early stages. It was confirmed that the use of private health care was one option being considered, but one source said: "No decision has been made as yet."

Meanwhile, David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, is to be called before a Home Affairs select committee to justify his policy towards asylum seekers. He is expected to be questioned on proposals to remove benefit from asylum seekers who choose to live with relatives instead of in accommodation centres. He will also be called to explain why officials are taking so long to process asylum claims.

The Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) and the Refugee Council, which campaign to improve refugees' rights, will also be giving evidence to the Home Affairs committee. The IAS will tell the committee that economic migrants should be free to come to Britain legally for six months to find a job.

Research released by the Home Office last week shows that few asylum seekers were motivated to come to Britain because of state benefits. Keith Best, the chief executive of the IAS, said: "The Government's policy on asylum is full of inconsistencies and knee-jerk reactions. Most asylum seekers would far rather come to this country by a lawful route than risk their lives clinging to the bottom of a train."

Amnesty International published a report last week that raised serious doubts over government claims that Afghanistan is now safe for returning refugees. The report states: "Insecurity, including ... human rights abuses of women ... and the continued bombing campaign by US-led coalition forces all present clear dangers."