The Métis Nation — Saskatchewan (MNS) is unveiling a new medical travel and accommodation program.
A Friday news release said the program is available to Métis citizens, those whose registrations are in process, and their immediate family members travelling to a range of medical appointments. Under the program, Métis patients can receive financial support for travel to appointments for things like cardiac and surgical care, the news release said.
The program will reimburse patients for fuel, food, and accommodations. The release noted the program is partly a response to feedback from a similar travel support program for cancer patients this summer.
It also noted some services are only available in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert. The distance some patients may need to travel could mean "a great deal" of time and cost while facing economic stresses from COVID-19, the release added.
"Lack of public transportation and pandemic related fears have made essential travel more difficult. Removing some of these barriers will help lessen the stress of travel when dealing with critical medical concerns,” MNS Minister of Health Marg Friesen said in a prepared statement.
