Asked by: Lord Ryder of Wensum (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
Her Majesty's Government whether the Department of Health has monitored risks associated with overseas visitors seeking or receiving HIV treatment, as set out in that Department's guidance on HIV treatment for overseas visitors in England from 1 October 2012; if so, how many such visitors have been identified; and whether any of those visitors were refused treatment.
Answered by Lord O'Shaughnessy
From 1 October 2012, an amendment to the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations meant that HIV treatment was no longer chargeable to any overseas visitors. This means that no-one should be charged for or refused HIV treatment based on residency.
Public Health England monitors the country of birth of persons reported in England who are living with HIV infection and whether or not they are receiving HIV treatment according to their level of HIV-related immunosuppression. Information on their residency or visitor status is not recorded routinely by treating clinicians and therefore is not available.