AN amendment to current legislation will ensure Ukrainians in Scotland will be able to access NHS services at no charge, the Scottish Government has confirmed.
This amendment will allow refugees from the war in Ukraine coming to Scotland to make use of services including maternity care, mental health care, and treatment for specific conditions.
Under current law, anyone making an application for asylum in the UK or who has been granted asylum status is technically eligible for the full range of NHS services at no charge.
However, Ukrainians arriving in UK under the visa routes thus far announced by the UK Government would be charged for some NHS Scotland services. The Scottish amendment – which would apply to people from Ukraine who were in Scotland on short-term visas when the conflict began, and who are applying to extend or switch visas because they cannot return to their home country – will rectify this.
This follows emergency legislation which came into effect earlier this week allowing Ukrainians in Scotland to meet residency conditions for Scottish social benefits, ensuring immediate access for those who are eligible to benefits including the Scottish Child Payment and Child Disability Payment.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are determined to do everything in our power to give displaced people from Ukraine the warmest welcome possible when they arrive and this includes offering healthcare to those who need it.
“We fully recognise they may have been through very traumatic experiences and could require specialist treatment and care. Removing charges for healthcare and providing access to benefits is a practical step in ensuring those who have been forced to flee their homes and country can live safely and comfortably in Scotland for as long as they need to.”
The Scottish Government has said it will keep the exemption from NHS charges under review as the situation in Ukraine develops.
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