Fuerteventura MP Welcomes Increased Financial Support for Patients Needing Off-Island Health Care
María Saavedra, a representative of the Popular Party in the Canary Parliament, has welcomed a new measure enhancing financial support for patients and their companions who need to travel off their island for specialised medical care. The daily allowance for accommodation and meals has risen from €103.37 to €145.94 per person, marking a 41.18% increase that came after the rates were last updated in 2018.
Saavedra noted that this adjustment reflects a pressing need among patients from non-capital islands, as previous amounts had not been reviewed despite rising living costs in recent years.
“For many families in Fuerteventura, travelling to another island for a specialist appointment or treatment is a part of everyday life. This change will help ease their financial burden and align support with current realities,” Saavedra said. She emphasised that Fuerteventura faces daily demands related to health-related travel, making this update significant for reducing difficulties associated with living on an outer island and ensuring equal access to health services.
She also commended the Canary Government’s ongoing commitment to improving support for displaced patients, tailoring it to those who require off-island medical attention.
However, Saavedra highlighted that there is still room for improvement in the management of these aids, particularly regarding the payment timeline. “While the rate adjustment was necessary, the next objective should be ensuring that help arrives swiftly for those already facing difficult situations,” she added.
Every advancement that improves patients’ quality of life and addresses the challenges of double insularity is valuable, she remarked. Saavedra concluded by stating that this update is a significant step toward providing better financial coverage for patients and their companions during challenging times. She reaffirmed the commitment to initiatives that strengthen the health system, ensuring no family is disadvantaged in accessing care due to the costs of inter-island travel.
