Free mobile clinics improve refugees access to health in Kelantan, Kedah and Pahang

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Over 2,300 refugees and asylum-seekers received primary healthcare and health education closer to home through mobile clinics, at no cost.

This initiative, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - funded through the Malaysia–UN SDG Trust Fund, also addresses key barriers faced by refugees and asylum seekers in mainly accessing primary healthcare, particularly the high cost of services and limited proximity to facilities. 

The mobile clinics aim to reach communities in more remote areas by providing consultations, maternal and child health services, health screenings and essential medicines at no cost to patients. Additionally, UNHCR and WHO supported over 270 highly vulnerable patients including children in need of urgent hospital-based treatment. The project is implemented in partnerships with local NGOs – Malaysian Relief Agency and Tzu Chi Foundation.

Voices from the community

A team from WHO visited one of the mobile clinics in Kadok, Kelantan, where they spoke with refugee patients, health care providers and support staff. The patients shared how the service has helped ease the financial burden of accessing healthcare.

“Private clinics are expensive and even government clinics cost more than we can afford. Sometimes just getting to the clinic itself is costly,” said Nur Samira, a 44-year-old single mother from the refugee community in Kadok. “Now I can get my monthly medicine for free, which helps me keep my health stable.”

Others noted that the clinic has reduced the need to delay treatment. “Before, I might have waited until I was very sick before seeking help, because of the cost and fear of being stopped on the way to the hospital,” shared Omar, a 25-year-old construction labourer. “With this mobile clinic, our burden is eased and our health has improved.”

The project also addresses language barriers by ensuring volunteers are available to help patients understand medical advice and health education materials. “There is always someone to translate and explain clearly what the doctors say,” said Nur Samira.

“Healthcare is a fundamental human right. This project ensures that even the most marginalised members of society can receive timely and respectful care, ensuring no one is left behind,” said Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

UNHCR Malaysia emphasised the importance of maintaining such outreach efforts. “For refugees, the ability to access healthcare without fear or financial hardship can be life-changing. Mobile clinics are a practical way to close the gap,” said Louise Aubin, UNHCR Representative in Malaysia.

Expanding care

The clinic visits are implemented with the support of partners such as the Malaysian Relief Agency and the Tzu Chi Foundation. These organizations coordinate with Ministry of Health clinics to ensure services are aligned with national standards. In addition to providing treatment, the outreach clinic staff help identify individuals who need follow-up care and issue referral letters to public hospitals.

Mobile clinics in Kelantan form part of a larger outreach effort expected to reach more than 3,200 people nationwide by the end of the project in 2025. As of July 2025, over 2,300 people have received primary healthcare services, while efforts were also directed at supporting 273 highly vulnerable patients such as children of refugees and asylum seekers in need of urgent medical interventions.

Community members are hopeful that the initiative will continue beyond its current timeline. “This clinic is necessary for us. It lessens our financial burden and improves our community’s health,” said Omar. “If there could be more clinics like this in Kelantan, it would be even easier and safer for us to get the treatment we need.”

(Names of refugees have been anonymised to protect their privacy.)