Medical care of illegal migrants intercepted on the high sea (Operation Prompt Return)

Abstract

In July 1995, Operation Prompt Return was mounted to set up a facility on Wake Island in the mid-Pacific to process 158 illegal emigrants and return them to China. The deployed medical team screened and examined the travelers and the ship's crew. Initial major problems consisted of skin rashes, dental diseases, and signs of physical abuse. Subsequently, urogenital complaints, musculoskeletal pain, and newer cases of scabies were evaluated and treated. Problems relating to planning and provision of medical care to migrants were discussed and solutions were suggested.