Cabrini Outreach in collaboration with Primary Care Connect conduct a free medical clinic for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Shepparton. Medicare card is not needed. All services are of no cost, and this service is provided two days a week in Shepparton, every Tuesday and Wednesday. Information is available in Arabic, English, Farsi, Hazaragi, Malay and Tamil languages.
About Clinic Sihat
After a needs assessment was conducted by Cabrini Outreach in Shepparton, it was revealed that there is currently a drastic shortage of primary health care services for people seeking asylum. Left untreated, many health issues can lead to serious health complications both physically and mentally. Primary care is too important for a whole population to go without. As a result, Cabrini Outreach has established Clinic Sihat in partnership with Primary Care Connect. ‘Sihat’ means ‘health and wellbeing’ in Malay, Arabic, Hazaragi and Urdu, among other languages.
Services Available
Clinic Sihat offers a practice nurse (who can assess health and provide treatment) and a pro bono GP (who can diagnose health issues, give medicine, and send referrals to specialists). Services include free pathology tests, clinical referrals and a pharmacy waiver program.
Eligibility
Clinic Sihat welcomes all people seeking asylum, undocumented migrants (no visa), vulnerable temporary visa holders and refugees up to six months after arrival. You are eligible if you do not have a Medicare Card, or have a Medicare Card but receive little or no income. Priority will be given to people who do not have Medicare.
*Please note that new clients will be asked to produce evidence of financial hardship (e.g. bank statements). This is to ensure we are providing care to the most vulnerable.
Cost
All services are of no cost to the client.
Booking an Appointment
If you need an appointment, please call Primary Care Connect on (03) 5823 3200. You will be booked in to see the nurse, who can organise a doctor’s appointment if needed. If you need an interpreter, please do not hesitate to ask and this can be provided for you.
Referrals
To refer someone to Clinic Sihat, please download and complete our referral form below. You can email it to clinicsihat@cabrini.com.au.
Download Clinic Sihat referral form
General Enquires | Ph: (03) 5823 3200 |
clinicsihat@cabrini.com.au | |
Opening Hours |
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Location | Primary Care Connect 399 Wyndham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630 Get directions: www.primarycareconnect.com.au/contact/ More information: www.primarycareconnect.com.au/ |
Information in your language
Is it safe to go?
The clinic is safe for everyone, even if you do not have a visa. Interpreters are available over the phone or in person, and staff will understand your situation. The clinic is also COVID-safe. You can have your temperature checked on arrival and you will be given a mask if you do not have one. For more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
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