Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Scotland will be able to access NHS services for free.
Health secretary Humza Yousaf confirmed today the Scottish Government has amended legislation to ensure those escaping the war in eastern Europe will not be charged for treatments including maternity care and mental health services.
The rule will also apply to people from Ukraine who were in Scotland on short-term visas when the conflict began.
Anyone in Scotland - regardless of their nationality or residence status - is already entitled to receive emergency treatment at an A&E or casualty department, and can register with a GP Practice for no charge.
Emergency legislation will now allow people coming to Scotland from Ukraine to meet residency conditions for Scottish social security benefits.
This means that those fleeing war in Ukraine, and who are eligible, will have immediate access to benefits such as Scottish Child Payment and Child Disability Payment.
Yousaf said: “We are determined to do everything in our power to give displaced people from Ukraine the warmest welcome possible when they arrive and this includes offering healthcare to those who need it.
“We fully recognise that they may have been through very traumatic experiences and could require specialist treatment and care.
"Removing charges for healthcare and providing access to benefits is a practical step in ensuring those who have been forced to flee their homes and country can live safely and comfortably in Scotland for as long as they need to.”
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