[Perspectives in public health care for refugees in Germany]

Germany in fact became an immigration country during the last 25 years. The German public health service for refugees aims at avoiding epidemic diseases and protecting the local population. In spite of the internationally recognised high capability of the German health system it is open to question whether sufficient health care for refugees who are regarded as highly vulnerable is guaranteed. Relevant investigations are missing. The present article illustrates perspectives of the health situation, health perception, health behaviour and finally also the health resources of refugees. Health as well as the health care of refugees appears to be fragmented. Three possible scenarios of the health care of refugees are discussed: Compartmentalisation of general health care, incorporation of health care through the communities of migrants as well as stronger integration in the German health care system. The article bases on a research of present scientific work about health and illness of refugees as well as on empirical data of a feasibility study in an area in south-west Germany on the health and primary health care for refugees.