Article 13 RCD (recast) envisages that Member States may require medical screening for applicants on public health grounds.

The EUAA Guidance on Reception – Operational standards and indicators, 2024, Standard 3, makes specific reference to medical screening.

Medical screening is meant as the initial medical examination that may be performed upon the applicant’s arrival in the reception facility. As such, the term does not encompass the medical checks that may be carried out upon arrival in the country (i.e. upon disembarkation or at the borders) where the involvement of reception authorities is generally marginal. It is key to note that medical screening needs to be carried out as soon as possible upon arrival in the facility. It needs to be proportionate to its purpose and, during the medical screening, adequate measures must be taken to ensure the respect of applicant’s dignity.

The medical screening carried out at the beginning of the reception process can provide an important starting point. It facilitates a clearer idea of the applicant’s medical needs that have to be addressed immediately and throughout the reception process. It ensures early identification of physical and mental health-related special needs and provision of immediate medical and psychosocial support.

The medical screening carried out as soon as possible upon arrival in the facility can also prevent any outbreak of contagious diseases inside the centre, thus protecting both the applicants and the personnel.

When and how the medical screening is organised will depend on the national context and procedures. It might be carried out on the day of arrival, before/after registration, before/after reception intake, or in the next days upon arrival at the facility. It might be carried out at once or during different appointments. 

It is important to ensure that applicants have sufficient information about any medical screening that they are required to undergo (EUAA Guidance on Reception – Operational standards and indicators, 2024, Standard 5, Indicator 4). For instance, you can explain the following to the applicant: that they have the right to refuse to undergo certain examinations and the consequences connected with such a refusal; the reasons for conducting the medical screening, giving the applicant the opportunity to ask questions; what the examination entails so as to provide them with a clear idea of what to expect, including any pain or discomfort.

It is also necessary that informed consent is obtained from or on behalf of the applicant prior to the examinations. This builds trust, reduces anxiety and helps prepare the applicant to reveal any health issues or concerns that need to be addressed. Take into consideration that people may also have limited health literacy, meaning that they might not be able to understand general health and healthcare procedures, or the language used by the medical professionals.

An individual medical file should be created, at the latest, immediately after the medical screening has taken place. The applicant must be provided with access to their medical records, without prejudice to national legislation.