A Wyndham GP has been recognised for his dedication to the healthcare needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
Utopia Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health founder, Dr Dr Lester Mascarenhas is a finalist in the Stronger Medicare Awards, which recognise and honour “Medicare Champions” from around Australia.
These champions are noted for providing exceptional care, embracing innovation and working to improve the health of their community.
More than 140 nominations were submitted across the country.
Dr Mascarenhas’ started his journey in India, before moving to the United Kingdom as a teenager where earned his medical degree and completed GP training. He made the move to Australia in 2008.
In 2019, he opened Utopia Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health in Hoppers Crossing, a clinic that prides itself on being doctor-run, democratic and helping prevent vulnerable members of the community slipping through the cracks.
“Utopia Refugee Health has been a labour of love for me. Setting up and running this charitable service has enabled us to deliver low-cost healthcare to society’s most vulnerable,” he said.
When asked what motivated him to open the clinic, Dr Mascarenhas said that “our healthcare system is broken” and “those with the greatest need find it the hardest to access healthcare.”
He said the building of trust between the clinic and the community was the most rewarding part of his work.
Dr Mascarenha said he was moved by the decision of friends Dr Bronwyn Wells and Dr Deborah Blackmore to submit an application for the award, while the love and support of partner Vern and their cat Maxine make life more joyous.
Jaidyn Kennedy
