By CASEY NEILL
VOLUNTEERS are helping Afghan refugees to unravel Australia’s complicated health system.
The South Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local (SEMML) Afghan Community Team received an Outstanding Achievement Award at the Minister for Health Volunteer Awards on 14 May.
“We were absolutely delighted with the award, and the team itself is just so energetic and passionate and really committed to the work they’re doing,” SEMML CEO Anne Peek said.
“Already we’re seeing really positive results in those in the community understanding just how to get access to care.
“That’s exactly what we’re aiming at.
“In Afghanistan, whatever health problem you have you go to the local hospital. That’s just your only port of call.
“When they arrive here and they’re needing some sort of help, they go to the hospital.”
About 6800 people of Afghan origin call Greater Dandenong and Casey home, and this figure is set to grow by 1000 each year.
Ms Peek said the Dandenong-based Afghan Community Team started last year and worked with Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital.
The team also holds community sessions to deliver simple information about general health awareness and accessing health services.
More than 300 people participated between December last year and March, including new arrival migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
The trained volunteers represent the major Afghan ethnic groups and link with existing Afghan community groups.
Ms Peek said they engaged with and empowered community members to improve their health-seeking behaviours and health outcomes.
She said feedback from participants indicated they were thrilled at being able to access services like health assistance telephone lines and GP home visiting services.
Feedback from one information session participant was that she received a fridge magnet with the number for an after-hours doctor.
“But I didn’t really believe that a doctor would come to my house at night if I was sick,” she said.
Three days later, the woman’s son was unwell at night.
“I had no family member to assist me to get medical help and I can’t drive,” she said.
“I remembered the information we were given. I called the number and after a few questions I was told that the doctor would come to my house in 30 minutes.”
She was shocked when a doctor arrived, examined her son and provided medication.
“I was very happy and have told all my friends that if they need a doctor at night, one can come to their house and see them.”
SEMML is a not-for-profit, primary health care organisation that aims to improve the south eastern Melbourne community’s health.
