The lower house voted in favour of the Medevac repeal bill, but not before Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie was particularly vocal in opposing plans to repeal the legislation passed in the previous Parliament which gave doctors more say over the transfer of sick asylum seekers held on Manus and Nauru to mainland Australia.

Dr Haines' predecessor Cathy McGowan ultimately voted for the legislation in February.

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But Dr Haines couldn't contribute to the debate on Thursday because she hasn't delivered her maiden speech to parliament which is scheduled for August 1.

"A great number of people in our Indi communities have advocated strongly in recent years for those seeking asylum or refuge to be treated with compassion, care and dignity," she said.

"There is no evidence to support repeal. I voted against any change.

"My priority has been to work with cross-bench members in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to convince the government to preserve these Medevac laws."

The Senate is not expected to consider the matter until October.

Farrer MP Sussan Ley has defended the government's position.

"I know this is a passionate subject for many people and that is exactly why our government continues to work with the governments of (Papua New Guinea) and Nauru to ensure people are provided with all the appropriate health and welfare support they might need," she said.

"Keep in mind, it is because of our strong border protection policy that we've been able to put an end to the people smuggling trade, a vile business which saw numerous deaths at sea and 50,000 people illegally come to our country."

According to the government, Healthcare on Nauru is available 24 hours a day and includes emergency and specialist health services and in Papua New Guinea, healthcare is delivered through the Pacific International Hospital, which provides a range of general and specialised health care services.