A failed asylum seeker is spearheading a High Court test case for free
NHS treatment - which could cost the taxpayer tens of millions of
pounds.
Lawyers for the the Palestinian, named only as A for legal reasons,
say the priniciples at stake in his case should apply to thousands of
others in his position.
Although he has been refused permission to remain in the UK, he is
prevented from returning home because of the current turmoil in the
West Bank.
The outcome of the case will not apply to failed asylum seekers who
can return home
Barrister, Stephen Knafler, for A, told Mr Justice Mitting that, at
the moment, failed asylum seekers in a similar position to A are only
entitled to free NHS treatment in emergency, life-threatening,
situations.
However A has chronic liver disease, and says his local hospital in
Middle***, London, should treat him for his condition.
Mr Justice Mitting is not being asked to decide the case on the facts
particular to A, but the wider issue of whether failed asylum seekers
who cannot return home should get free NHS treatment.
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