A doctor working in Malakula island says Vanuatu has become the first island nation outside Australia to introduce a flying doctor service.
Dr Derek Allen of Auckland is operating the service using a two-seater helicopter he purchased with his own money.
He told the Daily Post newspaper that he can now reach the rural villages in just half an hour rather than the six hours it takes by road.
Dr Allen is based at Norsup Hospital in Malampa province which has one doctor to care for 35 thousand people scattered over 16 islands.
