Weekers and Siem question the epidemiological, economic, and ethical bases on which such requirements have been made. Research data suggest only limited economic and public health benefits of screening programs. The authors offer several examples of problems encountered with the system as it now stands:
The authors recommend improving the screening process by:
CONTACT: Jacqueline Weekers, Dipl Psych, Medical Administrator with the International Organization for Migration, Medical Services; tel. 41-22-717-9355; fax 41-22-798-6150; e-mail weekers@geneva.iom.ch .
Other author: Harald Siem, MD MPH.
Public Health Reports