The leader of the opposition Cook Islands Democratic Party wants some of the government's large surplus to go towards improving health and education in the outer islands.
Cook Islands Democratic Party leader, Tina Browne Photo: Cook Islands Democratic Party
Earlier this week Finance Minister Mark Brown announced the government had made a surplus in the past financial year of $US16.32 million.
Opposition leader Tina Browne said it was inexcusable for the Pa Enua to be denied resident doctors year after year, or for expectant mothers to be flown to Rarotonga to give birth.
She said it was common knowledge hospitals in the outer islands were constantly running out of basic supplies.
Ms Brown said everyone was aware the Pa Enua was experiencing an outflow of people and often this is because of the limits on health care in those islands.