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Table 1 Healthcare programmes recently developed in Chile to protect the health of international immigrants, regardless of their legal status in the country

From: Understanding differences in access and use of healthcare between international immigrants to Chile and the Chilean-born: a repeated cross-sectional population-based study in Chile

Programme

Description

1. Programme for pregnant immigrant women

Supported by the Social Organizations Directorate, the Chilean Ministry of Health and the Department of Immigration and Migration, migrant women who are pregnant and have no current legal documentation can attend the primary clinic nearest their home.

2. Programme for immigrants under 18 years old

A collaborative agreement between the Chilean Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior. Vulnerable immigrants in this age group can receive healthcare in the public health system, on an equal basis to the Chilean-born regardless of their immigration status and that of their parents.

3. Free medical care for Peruvians with precarious resources

Since late August 2002, the General Consulate of Peru in Santiago has had an agreement with the Chilean Red Cross, supported by additional voluntary contributions of Peruvian community physicians, to provide a Free Medical Clinic to Peruvian immigrants in Chile. This service provides primary care to Peruvians, whether documented or not.

4. Social security agreement between the Republic of Peru and the Republic of Chile

A convention between the Republics of Peru and Chile ensures the rights of Peruvian immigrants that are pensioners in Chile to receive health benefits equivalent to those of the Chilean-born, such as retirement pensions and social benefits due to disability.