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What support, if any, is available to patients who must travel long distances for diagnostic imaging?

Answered Question 12841 (2026)
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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • What support, if any, is available to patients who must travel long distances for diagnostic imaging?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

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.