Clinic for Migrants with Precarious Status
10,000
people have benefited from the services and actions of Doctors of the World since 2011
40%
of people who come to our clinic have access to the Quebec healthcare system but don’t know it
The situation
In Canada, there are no reliable statistics on the number of migrants living here. Many migrants have been waiting for their immigration status for several years and, during this time, have not had access to government services.
In 2009, Doctors of the World conducted a survey on the situation of migrants in Montreal. It showed that thousands of men, women and children, many of them born in Canada, do not have access to healthcare.
Our action
In 2011, Doctors of the World opened a medical clinic in Montreal for migrants with precarious status. The clinic operates thanks to the many volunteers, including doctors and nurses.
This Clinic treats, refers and redirects, where possible, vulnerable people who are not covered by the Quebec Health Insurance or the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), and who do not have private insurance, nor the financial means to access healthcare. Most of these people are waiting to receive their immigration status (humanitarian application, sponsorship, open work permit, etc.). The migrant clinic is the only opportunity these men, women and children have to receive the healthcare they desperately need.
Doctors of the World offers primary healthcare and has a network of doulas (birthing coach) to support women when giving birth in the hospital system. Beyond care, Doctors of the World trains health professionals and administrative staff within healthcare settings to raise awareness of the realities of the people they meet in their daily practice.
Our Impact
In 2016:
- 3,029
PEOPLE RECEIVED SERVICES AND TREATMENT IN THE CLINIC FOR MIGRANTS WITH PRECARIOUS STATUS - 40%
OF PEOPLE VISITING THE CLINIC WERE ENTITLED TO PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AND OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND WERE REDIRECTED BY OUR VOLUNTEERS TO ACCESS THEM - 71%
OF VISITORS WERE WOMEN - 718
OF MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS WERE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN - 150
HOURS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING WERE GIVEN
Our partners
Your support
Go further
Lebanon
Member of the Humanitarian Coalition
Mental Health Support