[The Bremen primary examination program for refugees (I)]

In April 1993, the Bremen State Office of Public Health initiated a programme based on the requirements of political asylum legislation while answering the need of medical care for refugees in the first phase of their stay. Newly arriving asylum seekers channelled into legally obligatory "initial accommodation" are offered to avail themselves of a regular medical consultation in their accommodation facility. Thus, they have the opportunity to resort to medical examination, a doctor's advice, and, if need be, initial treatment.