Reply: I am informed that at present when a patient in Rodrigues requires treatment or diagnostic procedures which are not available locally, the attending Specialist recommends transfer for treatment in Mauritius. The Health Director submits the relevant request to Air Mauritius for arranging the necessary seating or stretcher booking for the patient. The Mauritius-Rodrigues route is operated exclusively by Air Mauritius’ ATR72 fleet, comprising three ATR72-600 and one ATR72-500, with a commercial seat limit of 64 per flight. The airline runs five daily flights, increasing to as many as ten during peak periods. These aircraft are equipped to cater for stretcher and oxygen-dependent medical cases. I am informed by Air Mauritius that patients requiring medical evacuation are systematically given priorities over regular passengers. This priority also extends to the patient’s travel companion and medical staff. From November 2024 to October 2025, Air Mauritius has transferred 268 patients requiring stretcher and/or oxygen facilities. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the Maritime Air Squadron (MAS) of the National Coast Guard operates three Dornier Aircraft for search and rescue and maritime surveillance. In addition, when no commercial flights for Rodrigues are available for urgent medical evacuation, the Dornier aircraft can be quickly configured to transport patients and medical staff and is equipped with stretchers, oxygen cylinders and other essential medical equipment. From January 2025 to 20 November 2025, 2 medical evacuations from Rodrigues have been carried out by the Dornier Aircraft. With regard to Agalega, I am informed that emergency medical evacuations are undertaken exclusively by the Dornier Aircraft of the National Coast Guard, which is mobilised specifically for urgent medical transfers. I am informed by the Outer Islands Development Corporation that, in such cases, the resident doctor determines the urgency of the medical evacuation based on the severity of the medical condition of the patient. The

151 request also specifies whether a medical team and equipment such as stretcher and/or oxygen cylinder are required on board. Accordingly, upon the recommendation of the resident doctor, the Ministry of Health and Wellness arranges the medical evacuation of the patient via the Dornier. From January 2025 to 20 November 2025, 20 medical evacuations have been carried out by the Dornier Aircraft. In view of the arrangements already in place, including the priority given to medical cases on Air Mauritius flights and the availability of the Dornier Aircraft for urgent evacuation, the existing system continues to provide timely assistance to patients from the outer islands. The Dornier fleet remains an important support for emergency medical transfers. However, should the need arise in the future, the option of a dedicated medical aircraft may be considered. ROAD ACCIDENTS – DRIVERS UNDER INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL/ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES – FATALITIES