Globally, refugees face significant barriers to equitable healthcare access. In Canada, while refugees are eligible for IFHP—which provides basic medical and social coverage until they transition to provincial health plans—accessing home-based services through IFHP remains particularly challenging. This is especially concerning for refugees with life-limiting illnesses, as system barriers often result in suboptimal care outcomes or reliance on acute care settings at the end of life.

GPS Health Navigators was established in response to these challenges, building on insights from extensive exploration of barriers and facilitators in providing palliative care for refugees. Our focus is on improving transitions from acute care to the community, ensuring that patients and families receive timely, equitable, and high-quality care in the most appropriate setting.

We believe that collaboration and partnerships with community stakeholders are key to achieving these goals. By working together, we can optimize healthcare resources, reduce reliance on acute care, and provide seamless, compassionate support for patients and their families.