The Ministry of Health has confirmed that they have had bilateral talks with partners and donors on key equipment for the hospital services in the country.

Health secretary Bob Williams said they include an x-ray machine from charitable organisations the Latter-Day Saints (LDS).

Te Marae Ora has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the church for the supply of some dental equipment.

“The x-ray is for Rarotonga Hospital where it will need to sit with the staff to manage and operate the equipment,” Williams said.

Williams had earlier stated that x-ray machines for both Aitutaki and Rarotonga hospitals were in the planning stages.

According to the Budget booklet, TMO receives an annual allocation of $300,000 for purchasing essential technical health instruments and equipment, aiding health professionals in conducting health check-ups and procuring vital capital equipment when necessary.

For the current 2024/2025 and 2025/26 financial years, $500,000 has been allocated for new x-ray machine and mammography systems.

The Budget Book stated that the replacement of the existing x-ray machine is necessary as the suppliers will no longer provide maintenance support in the future.