Medical intervention at immigrant camps in Greece from 09/01/2007 – 22/12/2007

Objectives: Registration and evaluation of typical medical screening of migrating populations, with emphasis on epidemic infectious diseases, at camps where illegally arrived immigrants, at first stay.
Methods: The staff of the Office for Mobile Populations of the HCDCP conducts medical intervention regarding health inspection of illegally arrived persons in Greece, in specific places where these persons are kept temporarily after they are arrested. The typical screening of the intervention involves physical examination, obtaining the immigrant’s medical and social history. Information is registered in the data base of the HCDCP. Data analysis is based on descriptive statistics.
Results: The screening conducted on 4505 persons (4020 male – 485 female) during the period of 09/01/2007 – 22/12/2007. Mean age was 24.21 years (± 8). In reference with the declared countries of origin, 1123 (24.92%) immigrants were from Afghanistan, 1180 (26.2%) from Iraq, 338 (7.50%) from Pakistan, 626 (13.9%) persons were from Palestine, 706 (15.67%) from Somalia and 532 (11.80%) from other countries (India, Bangladesh etc). Health problems were detected at 1029 (22.84%) cases. 365 (8.1%) cases of dermatological diseases, 310 (6.89%) cases of respiratory diseases, 120 (2.66%) cases of gastrointestinal system diseases, 77 (1.71%) cases of  myoskeletal system diseases, 61 (1.35%) cases of urinary system diseases, 23 (0.51%) cases of  cardiovascular system diseases and 73 (1.62) cases of  other systems were registered. 53 (1.18%) persons were referred for further clinical assessment by specialists, 40 persons (0.89%) for laboratory tests and treatment was given to 438 of them (9.72%).
Conclusions: In case of mass arrival of immigrants, the aim is the safe treatment of them with respect to international humanitarian principles. Main priority is the immediate intervention, so the state mechanism for immediate interference is activated, if cases of emergence infectious diseases are detected.