article_snippet.sent: Each HIV patient from overseas – even if here illegally, a failed asylum seeker or a student on a temporary visa – is entitled to free treatment on the health service.
article_snippet.sent: ‘free to all’ policy was introduced in 2012 to try to stop the spread of the virus in the UK.
article_snippet.sent: Officials raised concerns about the risk of health tourism by HIV patients in a Department of Health report on Officials treatment, which was published in 2012 to explain the change in policy.
article_snippet.sent: Whilst it is unlikely that people with HIV, or at risk of HIV, will visit the UK solely for the purpose of receiving free HIV treatment, this guidance … makes clear the arrangements that will enable monitoring to ensure this is not the case.
article_snippet.sent: ‘ had originally intended to warn about the relatively high proportion of migrants with tuberculosis before realising that HIV drugs are more expensive, sources alleged.
article_snippet.sent: ‘No-one is seriously suggesting we should screen people for HIV coming in.
article_snippet.sent: If we do not take an inclusive approach and provide treatment for people who need it, we will never prevent onward transmission.
article_snippet.sent: ‘HIV doesn’t discriminate and politicians shouldn’t either.