The province has announced some improvements to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program.

Concerns had been raised about the level of assistance provided for residents of Labrador who have to travel to Newfoundland for medical appointments and treatment.

Labrador West MHA Jordan Brown previously called on government to review the program and ensure that it is up-to-date and adequate to meet the needs of those who rely on it.

Those who have to fly to larger centres in the province from the Labrador-Grenfell Health zone can now apply for a “fast-track, up-front flight voucher” of $1,000 toward the cost of their first eligible airfare.

Premier Andrew Furey says the change, in partnership with PAL Airlines, should help those who, until now, had to shoulder the costs up front and wait for reimbursement.

In addition, Furey says the assistance rate for any additional eligible airfare over $1,000 has been increased from 50 to 75 per cent.