Access of Haitian migrants to public healthcare: a bioethical question

Abstract

The vulnerabilities of migrants arouse the bioethical view of health inequities that often affect the access to health. This research evaluates the access to healthcare of Haitian migrants, recognizing the situations that generate greater vulnerability, aiming at the improvement of public health policies. The study used a qualitative approach by conducting a focus group with adult Haitians of both sexes. We verified the need for raising health professionals’ awareness of cultural differences, migrants and refugees’ vulnerability and the fight against xenophobia and racism. Only after this it will be possible to rethink health policies and actions to achieve the universality, integrality and equity promoted by the Brazilian Unified Health System.