Communities in the Torres Islands have been facing serious shortages of medicine for several weeks, due to a lack of regular flights and shipping services to the area.

Area Administrator for Torres, Dick Richard, told VBTC News that clinics and aid posts across the islands have run out of even the most basic supplies.

“Our clinics and aid posts have no medicine available, not even simple ones like Panadol or penicillin. We really need medicine,” Richard said.

He explained that when a plane is full of passengers, it is the same as filling up a ship because of the number of people who rely on the service. He questioned why Air Vanuatu is not providing consistent services to the Torres Islands.

“When we send medicine, it’s not just small supplies  it’s tonnes. We only have one airport, and we really need that service, for all of us,” Richard added.

Torba Health Administrator, Steven Nako, confirmed to VBTC News that medicines are expected to reach the islands by Monday this week, with a charter flight organized through the Ministry of Health.

He explained that Air Vanuatu flights to the Torres Islands currently operate only in emergencies, with limited schedules on Thursdays and Mondays.

Meanwhile, Richard has called on the government to recognize the needs of the Torres communities, not only during crises but at all times.

VBTC News contacted Air Vanuatu for comment, but the airline did not confirm a specific date for when regular flights to the Torres Islands would resume.