By Losirene Lacanivalu, Cook Islands News
Rarotonga Hospital, the largest hospital in the Cook Islands, with 80 beds, a variety of services and other modern amenities. Photo: Rafael Ben-Ari
Cook Islands Ministry of Health, or Te Marae Ora (TMO), is holding discussions with New Zealand health officials for a new dialysis unit.
However, TMO health secretary Bob Williams says it was still premature to make any comments on the discussions.
Williams has confirmed that this is an ongoing discussion between TMO and New Zealand health officials.
"There are ongoing discussions between TMO and NZ health officials on the matter as a result of a bilateral meeting between Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown and the Minister of Health New Zealand Shane Reti in Manila at the 75th Regional Committee Meeting of the Western Pacific Region."
Williams said: "It is still premature to make any comments regarding the discussions and an announcement will be made in due course once both ministers and officials have completed the necessary detailed discussions for considerations by both parties."
Asked about how many Cook Islanders need dialysis treatment and how many frequently need treatment in New Zealand, Williams said that TMO will not make any comments until they hear back from NZMOH (Ministry of Health) officials.
"We have made an assessment of what that service will provide to an estimated number of patients including resourcing and staffing," he added.