The migrants in Calais are my future patients: A doctor's perspective from the camps

Rotterdam-based doctor Michelle van Tongerloo spent time in the migrant camps of Calais and Dunkirk, France, working alongside volunteers distributing aid. Her experience offered a stark look at the challenging circumstances faced by migrants seeking to reach the UK.

Van Tongerloo, who works as a general practitioner and street doctor in Rotterdam, joined efforts to provide tents and food to those living in the makeshift settlements. The situation in these camps is often precarious, with limited access to basic necessities and sanitation.

Reflecting on her time there, Van Tongerloo stated, "The migrants in Calais are my future patients." This sentiment underscores a humanitarian perspective, viewing the displaced individuals not just as a social issue but as people in need of medical care and support. Her involvement highlights a growing concern among some healthcare professionals about the health implications for vulnerable populations at Europe's borders.