An advisory group established to provide independent advice on the health needs of asylum seekers has been disbanded.
The Immigration Health Advisory Group (IHAG) was set up in March this year, replacing the Detention Health Advisory Group (DeHAG) set up in 2006.
Dr Paul Alexander, a medical expert with the Australian Defence Force and chairman of IHAG until it was dissolved, is expected to continue advising the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on asylum seeker health issues.
Professor Louise Newman, former chair of IHAG and current member, told ABC she didn't see it coming.
"The group was informed on Friday that it has actually been disbanded, which is of course an issue of grave concern to the medical and health professionals involved," she said.
