Health

Language and cultural barriers often represent a problem for immigrants during visits to the doctor. The General Interpreter Service can be used to reduce these obstacles. Trained native speakers can better communicate especially about sensitive topics, because they have the same cultural background. The General Interpreter Service and medical personnel are bound by medical confidentiality.

Immigrated women find it difficult to get help outside of their circle of family and friends in cases of domestic violence, particularly those who have few contacts in their environment.

Compared with other persons, immigrated women play sports less often. For that reason, they should be told about options, since sport is good for physical well being and facilitates integration.

Asylum seekers in Germany have a right to medical care; however, they are only covered for the most necessary treatment. Asylum seekers are only treated for acute illnesses, pain, important vaccinations, and check-ups. Many asylum seekers have had traumatic experiences during their escape. Psychological treatment would be helpful in many cases, yet the possibilities for asylum seekers are limited.

Residence in asylum-seeker hostels also represents a source of stress for asylum seekers, especially since the hygienic conditions are not always good in these facilities.

By 2020, the Dresden city administration should take the following steps:

• Better inform immigrants about the many advising and assistance services, including self-help.

• Improvement of medical care for asylum seekers (for example, an electronic health card for asylum seekers and the treatment of trauma).