Hi Kitty,
Yes, we were on the same boat situation and I did ask for special consideration when my mom was stuck here unsure when she could depart, same answer that the applicant needs to be offshore as written in law. If she couldn't make it before the health exam expires then we will be requested to redo another one.
Luckily we have a repatriation flight to my mom's home therefore we are now met their requirements and just waiting for visa to be granted. Unsure what has hold on our application unless has reached quota.