28 “Police responded in a very rude way. When I had healthcare professionals dismissed their health tooth pain, the police were shouting asking why I concerns, leaving them unable to receive came so late and said I should come a day later necessary and adequate medical treatment – a because ‘I could manage the pain.’” They further trend consistent with the last report.69 For explained, “Even when they told you to come the example, Adil said, “I only visit the nurse in the next day, the next day they would same the same PRDC, but she doesn’t like me being there very thing,” leaving them without access to a doctor. frequently. She says that my kidneys are fine and Kenan also shared his own experience with the only gives me painkillers.” Marwan explained police: that despite the fact he is experiencing a lot of “Access to medical services is very difficult. When I pain, “There is no action by doctors.” Thus, even arrived, the pain was very bad. I was pursuing when detained persons are able to access police and UNHCR for help for two months. Only after UNHCR requested the doctor’s help did I get help, but ever since I went to the doctor, nothing healthcare, they report that healthcare professions dismiss their concerns, further delaying access to necessary medical happens. The hospital examined me, said I need treatment. surgery, and I have a written report I gave to the iii. Lack of interpreters police. The police tried to make an appointment When we published the first edition of this with a private doctor, but nothing happened...I report, only one Sorani interpreted was cannot stay like this longer (starts crying). I am working in the PRDC, despite the fact that afraid of losing my healthy eye and am very most individuals detained were Arabic or concerned.” French speakers.70 Now, there are zero in- Farouq also shared that the police refused his house interpreters, with the only option request for a doctor’s appointment. When available for health professionals being a Farouq was finally able to make it to the telephone service. Even with this service, doctor, he shared, interpretation continues to occur through “The doctor was surprised and terrified when she saw [my condition] and gave me a cream. She also recommended a private doctor.” As evidenced, police dismissiveness of detained persons’ requests for medical treatment is a barrier to accessing healthcare treatment, exacerbating an already difficult situation for detained persons in the PRDC. ii. Dismissiveness by healthcare professionals In addition to feeling dismissed by the police, participants shared that they also felt 69 Detained and Forgotten, supra note 3, at 45. informal means and usually by having detained persons interpret for one another. Four participants this year shared that the lack of interpretation services made it difficult if not impossible to communicate with their healthcare professionals and receive medical treatment. For example, Naeem explained, “Even if you have an appointment, there is no interpreter. So instead of seeking medical care, I just isolate myself because I cannot express myself in English.” Jalal shared that “Only one time I went to the nurse inside the PRDC, but due to a lack of interpretation, she couldn’t understand me. 70 Detained and Forgotten, supra note 3, at 55. ‘Still detained and forgotten’ – Update on Detention Policies, Practices, and Conditions on Kos 2022/23