A former Ministry of Health head has called for expanded healthcare services as the Rarotonga Medical Centre opened a new dental clinic offering a wider range of treatments.

The former secretary of Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health, Elizabeth Iro, has emphasised the need for more health services and opportunities in the Pa Enua to address the challenges there.

Iro, who served as secretary of TMO from 2012 to 2017 before becoming the World Health Organization’s Chief Nursing Officer (2018-2023), made this appeal during her guest speech at the opening of the Rarotonga Medical Centre dental clinic on Friday.

She urged the staff of the Centre to continue to be creative in finding ways to tackle the health issues faced by the Pa Enua population especially when they travel over for Te Maeva Nui festival this week.

“We have a unique situation, we have our outer islands that require the same services, how do we extend this to those colleagues to the outer islands?” Iro said.

Former secretary of Te Marae Ora, Elizabeth Iro officially opens the Rarotonga Medical Centre - Dental Care on Friday. 24072811

“I think we’ve been really creative in the way that the Cook Islands have managed the health services … Te Maeva Nui when women and the teams come over to Rarotonga, that (gives an opportunity) on how we can get them to do their health checks while they're here.

“So I think these are really important general agenda that needs to be programmed at the work that you do as a health service provider, how can we capture those outer islands that are here for Te Maeva Nui or some other agenda.

“We have opportunities to do that so I just want to put that out there because it’s really important that we have those considerations on those services here on Rarotonga.”

Iro believes that by prioritising the needs of the people in her work, both past and present, she and other health workers can effectively identify and seek out the services required by the Cook Islands community.

The challenge was accepted by the co-owner of the Rarotonga Medical Centre, Nini Wynn, who confirmed that the new clinic has plans to expand its services to the outer islands.

The Rarotonga Medical Centre officially opened its new dental clinic, a long-time plan which has been in the pipeline for years, on Friday.

The Medical Centre has also signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health which will allow access to TMO’s electronic system in order to improve its services to the communities.

The new dental clinic will provide dental services such as crowns, bridges and dentures.

Expensive dental treatments such as orthodontics, which previously required patients to travel overseas, will also be available at the clinic, according to Wynn.

In addition to the new equipment for the dental clinic, they also recruited new staff team including a full-time dentist and a part-time dentist, both from Fiji, and a dental assistant.

Dentist Manoj Kumar carries out a full teeth scan of a patient at the newly opened Rarotonga Medical Centre - Dental Care on Friday. TALAIA MIKA/24072805

The general health care side of the clinic employs two doctors and one nurse.

Dr Wynn also stressed that the new dental clinic aims to limit financial struggles for patients, especially for orthodontic treatments.

Iro and other guests who attended the opening on Friday acknowledged and commended the Rarotonga Medical Centre for a great milestone especially keeping the people of Cook Islands at the forefront.

“Because you keep being at the forefront, you continue to lift your education, you continue to ensure that you have the right knowledge to actually be able to provide the quality service that our people require,” Iro said. “So I really commend you for really keeping the focus at the work that you do and I think even the people around us here today appreciate the service that you provide, will appreciate that there’s another place to go to. Not just to the ministry, not just to rely on the hospital, but there are also other options.”

“The health workforce is globally not an easy agenda, there’s a shortage everywhere globally, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, so who we have on the island is really important that we take care of them and taking care of them doesn’t mean it’s always about salary.”

Iro emphasised that the most important aspect is collaboration, ensuring programmes reach everyone who needs them.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the Rarotonga Medical Centre said: “We’re beyond excited to announce that Rarotonga Medical Centre - Dental Care is officially open and ready to serve you with top-quality dental care!”

“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us through this journey —your encouragement, enthusiasm, and warm wishes have made our grand opening a success. We couldn’t have done it without you!

“Our doors are now open, and we’re eager to help you and your family achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles.”