If the Government is truly committed to reducing inequalities in health, it cannot stand back and watch refugees being marginalised and impoverished.

Julia Neuberger King's Fund

" Living in poverty, with severely restricted freedom, makes those problems worse. This is a very unhealthy public policy."

The report points out that many asylum seekers arrive in Britain with mental health problems as a result of torture and some show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.

And it notes that others who have fled war zones arrive with physical disabilities.

But the report says health services are generally not equipped to deal with their problems which are sometimes exacerbated by substandard housing in overcrowded hostels.

It cites a lack of adequate training of some NHS staff to work with refugees and a communication problems due to under-resourcing of interpreting services.

"Vouchers inappropriate"

The system whereby asylum seekers are given vouchers to buy food is also singled out for criticism.

Julia Neuberger says rethink of asylum system is needed

The report says vouchers limit access to culturally appropriate food like Halal meat because they can only be spent in supermarkets.

And it says other foods which asylum seekers regard as everyday items are often regarded as 'exotic luxuries' by supermarkets and priced accordingly.

The King's Fund says that there are indications that as a result some asylum seekers have been forced into criminal behaviour, such as shoplifting, or to work illegally, to make ends meet.

The Fund's chief executive, Julia Neuberger, is calling for a rethink of the entire asylum system.

She said: "The voucher system should be abolished at once, and replaced with cash entitlements for all asylum seekers.

"And the NHS should be given more resources to improve refugees' health and give them a better chance of leading an ordinary life if they are given leave to remain in Britain."