but not sure why we need the latest shiniest jet to take a doctor and a couple of nurses to a remote location to check on ear infections, skin cancers, or scabies.
I think a quote like that goes to show the lack of knowledge on what goes on.
I very very highly doubt, RFDS will be using these jets for their Primary Health Care roles.
Yes the RFDS does do a lot of Primary Health Care (and it is going well beyond treating ear infections, skin cancers and scabies these days), which is a need that is great in remote area's. However, when there are aviation platforms that are becoming more readily available and more economical, for better aeromedical transfers/evacs, then why not get them?
The days of RFDS flying around in only King Air's and PC-12's are running out. Mainly because there are better ways to do the job which need to be accessed, otherwise they will find themselves lacking in the technology to provide their patients with the best health care available.
So the question that need's to be asked, is why SHOULDN'T the RFDS get jets?
morno