12841 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 22 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	12841 (2026)
Question asked:	07 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Debbie Ngarewa-Packer
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	18 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_12841_2026
Document guid:	4a92cccd-f2ca-43a6-81e1-3d50f33aa2e0

12841 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: What support, if any, is available to patients who must travel long distances for diagnostic imaging?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that as part of our Government's focus on putting patients back at the centre of our health system, the National Travel Assistance Scheme provides travel and accommodation support for patients when they are referred by a specialist and meet eligibility criteria. In addition, some districts provide shuttle services to diagnostic services either directly or through community NGOs.