Halifax refugee clinic receives $684,000 increase in annual funding

Dr. Tim Holland says the additional funding is crucial because Nova Scotia is seeing a regular increase in refugees and immigrants

CITYnews halifax \ Canadian Press

HALIFAX — The lead doctor at a Halifax medical clinic for refugees says an annual increase of $684,000 in provincial funding places the facility on long-term and sustainable footing.

Dr. Tim Holland says the additional funding for the Newcomer Health Clinic is crucial because Nova Scotia is seeing a regular increase in refugees and immigrants.

The funding was included in the 2022-23 provincial budget and will bring the total annual budget for the clinic to more than $1 million.

Holland told reporters that through the increased financial support the clinic will be able to hire a social worker, a family practice nurse and a coordinator to help families navigate the province’s health system.

The clinic provides preventive and primary care to government-assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees and refugee claimants, and it has 2,715 patients.

The facility works to transfer patients to a family practice in the community within two years.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2022.

The Canadian Press