Pakistani refugee on Nauru self immolates

A Pakistani refugee on Nauru has been taken to hospital after setting himself on fire in front of a mental health doctor, a refugee advocate group says.

The 36-year-old man was badly burned when he set himself alight in his room in the Ewa camp on Friday morning, the Refugee Action Coalition said in a statement.

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed it was aware of the self-harm incident that occurred on Nauru.

"The individual is receiving appropriate medical support at the Republic of Nauru Hospital," a spokeswoman said in a statement on Friday evening.

"The Australian and Nauru Governments will continue to provide support."

Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul said there was a serious mental health crisis on Nauru.

"It is tragic that refugees have been left waiting so long for a secure future," Mr Rintoul said in a statement.

"After six years on Nauru, there is a serious mental health crisis. So many refugees have given up all hope."

The Home Affairs spokeswoman said the Australian government works closely with the Nauruan government to "ensure transferees continue to be provided with specialist and wide ranging health, welfare and support services".

"Healthcare in Nauru is available 24 hours a day and includes emergency and telehealth services," she said.

The Australian government supports the Nauruan government by contracting specialist health services including psychology, psychiatry, trauma counselling, dentistry, radiography, pharmacy services and physiotherapy.