Djibouti: Information on whether medical care, including medical examinations at clinics, hospitalization, or other medical treatment is available to Somali citizens, especially Gadabursi clan members; and if so, which services are available and at what cost; and on whether Somalis pay more for medical treatment and services than Djiboutians, and if so, what is the difference in price
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 August 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | DJI21220.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Djibouti: Information on whether medical care, including medical examinations at clinics, hospitalization, or other medical treatment is available to Somali citizens, especially Gadabursi clan members; and if so, which services are available and at what cost; and on whether Somalis pay more for medical treatment and services than Djiboutians, and if so, what is the difference in price, 1 August 1995, DJI21220.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac2d40.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The following information was obtained in a telephone interview on 2 August 1995 from an official at the Djibouti embassy in Washington, DC.
According to the official, medical care, including treatment at hospitals is available without cost to the patient. Somalis, regardless of clan, are eligible to receive free treatment as are Djibouti citizens. Identity documents are not required to receive medical care in Djibouti. However, there are some private clinics which charge their patients for services. The official was unaware of the extent or price of medical treatment available at these clinics.
The health care system in Djibouti is overburdened by the influx of refugees in the country, but the official was not aware of any restrictions being applied against non-Djibouti citizens seeking medical attention. However, service may be limited on account of a lack of proper resources, the official added. Medical treatment not available at hospitals, for example, may be available at privately run health clinics where patients must pay for their treatment. Lack of medical supplies and staff, not official policy, may limit access to health care, the official stated.
Additional and/or corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Reference
Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti, Washington, DC. 2 August 1995. Telephone interview with official.
Additional Sources Consulted
Horn of Africa Bulletin.
News from Africa Watch.
Oral sources.
