Aegean Islands Chios MSF started working on the island of Chios in December 2017, supporting the local hospital with cultural mediation services to help them better address their patients’ healthcare needs. In January 2018, MSF worked with a local volunteer network to distribute 500 blankets to people living in tents around the Vial camp. An additional 750 blankets from MSF were distributed, in cooperation with the Reception and Identification Service. In March 2018, MSF mobile units began daily visits to Vial camp offering primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive healthcare (ante/post-natal care, gynaecology and family planning), and mental healthcare (individual clinical psychological care sessions). An MSF social worker complements the support package offered to patients at both the local hospital and the camp, linking patients to legal aid organisations locally and in Athens. In July 2018, MSF set up a permanent clinic outside Vial camp (1.4 km away) to provide the above-mentioned services. Patients in need of psychiatric treatment are referred to a local NGO as the waiting time at the local hospital can be up to three months. 12 © Anna Pantelia
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