Information on a program for the medical treatment of victims of the civil war in Afghanistan in the United States of America, sponsored in part by the government [USA10719]
Fran Sullivan, a representative of the International Organization
for Migration (IOM) in Washington, D.C., who was referred to the
IRBDC by a representative of the U.S. State Department in
Washington, D.C., provided the following information on the above
subject during a telephone interview on 19 May 1992.
The IOM is a non-governmental organization which has been involved
in providing free medical treatment for the victims of the civil
war in Afghanistan. These victims are treated in a number of
European countries, Canada and the U.S.A. The IOM representatives
in Peshawar (Pakistan) conduct the screening process to select
Afghan patients who cannot be treated in Pakistan, but who can be
treated abroad in a short period of time.
These patients must also agree to return to Pakistan upon
completion of their treatment abroad. Doctors involved in this
program report to the IOM whether the medical treatment has been
completed.
Afghan patients who have been selected for medical treatment in
the U.S.A. travel to the U.S.A. while in possession of "Pakistani
refugee documents"; the government of the U.S.A. issues them entry
visas. These Afghan patients stay in the U.S.A. on temporary
medical visas and have no other residence status.
This medical program, which has existed for about five years, is
essentially privately-funded. Doctors involved in the program
provide free-of-charge medical treatment for Afghan patients. The
government of the U.S.A. provides only transportation for those
patients who are selected for treatment in the U.S.A. No Afghan
patient is being brought to the U.S.A. at the present time.
Additional and corroborating information on the above subject is
currently unavailable to the IRBDC.
References
International Organization for Migration
(IOM), Washington, D.C. 19 May 1992. Telephone Interview with
Representative.
U.S. State Department, Washington, D.C.
19 May 1992. Telephone Interview with Representative.