Medicaid patients with confirmed appointments in New Zealand are facing the possibility of having their appointments re-scheduled because they can’t get from here to Apia for travel to New Zealand.
Flight on the inter-Samoa route are full due to church conferences in Samoa and finding a seat on Apia bound flights is impossible.
Medicaid Director Sandra King Young said 10 patients are affected for the next couple of weeks because of full flights from here to Samoa.
She said they have chartered Talofa Airways, but this can be challenging if the plane is down for maintenance or unavailable.
Medicaid is looking at Samoa Airways for a solution but the director said the aircraft has to be available and the charter cost has to be reasonable.
King Young said they may have to schedule appointments weeks or months in advance to ensure flight availability. And added, “It is very important that patients are flexible for travel and be prepared to travel when we secure their appointments.”
