Porphyria Variegata

[Ozpe]

Hello everyone!

I have porphyria variegata which is an inherited condition and means I can't take any medicines or drugs which contain sulphomides, barbituates or pentothol. Otherwise I don't have any health problems from this, as long as I avoid medicines with those ingrediants when I am sick. I was wondering if anyone else with porphyria has had their medicals done recently and if this posed a problem?

[AlBrough]

I found this: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-05-28/australia/australian-visa-health-restrictions-to-be-relaxed.htm

From 1 July [2012], the Australian government is set to relax immigration laws which will lead to the admission of more immigrants with disabilities and a pre-existing medical conditions. Australian immigration has what is called a significant cost threshold to decide whether or not an immigrant with disabilities or an illness will be too much of a burden on the Australian health system. If the projected cost of treating a prospective immigrant will be greater than the significant cost threshold currently AUD$21,000 over five years the immigrant will not be granted the visa. From 1 July 2012 the significant costs threshold will be increased to AUD$35,000, therefore making it easier for immigrants to gain entry to Australia. More than one in 10 people are on immigration blacklists because of health concerns, and research has shown that this has more to do with financial issues than health risks to Australians.

In 2010-11, of the 599 foreigners who were denied a visa on health grounds following health examinations, 392 were denied due to the cost of their potential treatment or due to the fact that they may potentially stand in the way of Australians awaiting medical care. Under current rules, an applicant can have their visa application rejected if the cost of any potential treatment they may need exceeds the threshold of AUD$21,000 over five years, or three years for applicants aged 75 or over.

People with HIV, a heart condition or cancer have been blocked from entering Australia, as well as those with epilepsy, a mental illness or mental retardation.

This AUD$21,000 Significant Cost Threshold has remained unchanged for ten years, however stakeholders have continued to push for health requirement reforms. This prompted the immigration department to conduct an external review of the requirements and the review recommended that the department increase the threshold.
The parliamentary committee, chaired by Labor MP Michael Danby, said the current process should be reformed as it reflected "old-fashioned approaches to disability in particular".

From what I have read their main concern is the long term cost that you pose being in the country. If you have a manageable illness that is not going to cost the Australian Government in the long run they are happy to let you migrate. Your best option is to speak to a migration agent who may know a little more on the topic.

Edited October 24, 2013 by AlBrough

[Ozpe]

Thanks Al,

From the above I think I will be ok. I only have to avoid certain drugs the condition is the similar to someone who can't take penicilan for example. It is not like cancer or HIV with require continuous treatment.

I have emailed my agent regarding this as well.

As it is a common allergy in SA has anyone else gone through the medicals for emmigrating with it?

[AndreaL]

Porphyria variegate is actually quite rare.....1 in 300 to 1000 in South Africans and only 1 in 75 000 in Finland and 1 to 10 per 100 000 in the rest of the population

Most cases of these heterogeneous metabolic diseases have a genetic/inherited cause, one example being Porphyria Variegate.
This genetic condition, although still rare, is more frequently found
in the South African Caucasian population than in any other population
on Earth.

Porphyria variegata is diagnosed more often in South Africa
(relative to the population) than any other country, and is also called
‘South African porphyria’. It is a genetic disease with a high frequency
in descendants of the early European settlers in the Eastern Cape. Both
acute porphyria and cutaneous porphyria are found within this
condition.

Your condition is hepatic and classed as an acute porphyria and in the case of an attack, treatment is very expensive.It is more than an allergy and family screening and genetic counselling is usually indicated for the acute porphyrias.

I'm not sure about this Ozpe, as the list of drugs to avoid is extensive. If I remember correctly Arnold Vosloo has porphyria.

I would wait and see what your agent says, hopefully the news is positive.

I really think that you may be asked to supply additional information, i.e. specialist reports.

[Ozpe]

Hi Andrea,

Thanks for the response, I have had it for over 20 years now with no problems. I have all the blood tests ect from the specialists as well. Never had an attack and live a normal lifestyle and don't need to take any medicines to keep it in check. So hopefully won't be an issue with medicals. Holding thumbs it will be ok!

[AndreaL]

Excellent Ozpe

That is very good news and I'm sure will be a positive for the medicals. When I posted I hoped you didn't think I was being overly pessimistic, but I would rather be honest and prepare you for what you might expect, i.e. requests for specialist reports............it seems you have that covered, so good luck!