Burma Human Rights Network’s report: “We also have dreams” Most refugees BHRN spoke to had been sick or injured in the past year. Most of the ailments they described were significant and required some form of medical attention. Given the high frequency of refugees requiring medical care, it is not surprising that many also expressed frustration with very long lines and waiting times at medical facilities inside the camps, even for routine care like getting medication for diabetes. Those seeking treatment frequently said all they were given after waiting to be seen was paracetamol. Given the limited number of clinics, physicians, and medicine in the camps compared to the total number of refugees, it would benefit both medical staff and the refugee population for more resources to be allotted for these purposes by the relevant UN agencies and the international community. A side effect of this deficit has been the appearance of unofficial clinics in the camps which are unregulated, lack oversight and quality assurances, and are run by unqualified personnel. As people seek solutions to their medical problems outside of NGOs-ran health care facilities, the demand for these clinics is likely to increase, exposing the population to potentially unsafe practices and treatments. www.bhrn.org.uk 15