Health
New Public Health Bill to be tabled in Parliament in Dec
Tuesday 24 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
The new Public Health Bill which will give Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health the power to issue monetary fines and regulate smoking and vaping, among other things, will be going through Parliament in December.
New Public Health Bill will give TMO the power to issue fines for failing to keep compounds clean
Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
The Tutaka Programme in Rarotonga will begin next week from Monday, October 23 to November 3.
Medicinal cannabis campaigner calls for … ‘Common sense’ approach
Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, Local, National
Medicinal cannabis campaigner Steve Boggs is calling on Te Marae Ora to take a “common sense” approach and follow New Zealand in allowing over-the counter sales of cannabidiol (CBD) products.
Aitutaki residents frustrated by ‘chronic’ water shortage crisis
Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki residents are frustrated by the ongoing water shortage crisis on the island, as some households face extended periods of water cuts lasting up to four weeks and more.
11 stonefish poisoning cases so far
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
There have been 11 stonefish poisoning cases reported at the Rarotonga Hospital since January 18 this year. This was confirmed by the outgoing director of hospital health services, Dr Yin Yin May.
Pink Ribbon Day awareness: Early detection is key
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
In a global effort to raise awareness on breast cancer, October has been designated as Pink Month. During this time, there are efforts to educate the public about the disease, including early identification and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Eye-deal opportunity for Cook Islanders to get free glasses
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is conducting basic reading eye tests and distributing free eye glasses around Rarotonga in an effort to promote World Sight Day which will be marked today.
Medicinal cannabis legislation to go before Parliament in December
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, National
Legislation supporting availability of medicinal cannabis in the Cooks Islands will be tabled in Parliament.
Be there for each other - Mental Health Day
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
World Mental Health Day was an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and support actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health.
Community group receives fitness gear
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, Local, National
A community fitness group has been gifted much needed gear to help it provide a greater variety of strength-building exercises for members.
Te Kainga O Pa Taunga partners with local NGOs to raise awareness of mental health
Tuesday 10 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health, National
Te Kainga O Pa Taunga, the Cook Islands mental health organisation, has partnered with representatives from local non-government organisations to celebrate World Mental Health Day with a special breakfast event this morning.
Doctors warn of increase in cold, respiratory flu cases
Friday 6 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
The number of people presenting symptoms of cold and respiratory flu in Rarotonga has increased, with Te Marae Ora advising people to keep warm this cold season.
Cook Islands receives WHO award for best Covid practice
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
The Cook Islands has been awarded the ‘WHO (World Health Organization) Healthy Islands Best Practice Recognition Award – Work Smarter for a Covid-19 Safe Cook Islands’.
TMO promotes private clinics
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO) is encouraging patients who are ‘tired of waiting in queues’ at the Rarotonga Hospital to visit a private clinic.
Health workers’ pay rise on hold as TMO ensures correct payouts
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health workers promised a pay rise in July this year will have to wait a little longer for the increment.
Statement expected next week on medicinal cannabis : Prime Minister’s Office
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National
The final draft report and a plan for a medicinal cannabis regime has been completed, says Office of the Prime Minister chief of staff Ben Ponia.
Terminally-ill visitor shut out
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Health, National
The family of a terminally-ill Australian visitor who was blocked from bringing his medication by Cook Islands authorities do not want to see anyone else face the same ordeal.
‘Our guardian angels’: Terminally-ill visitor thanks community for help
Monday 18 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Health, In Depth, National, Tourism
A terminally-ill Australian grandfather, whose dying wish was to holiday in Rarotonga with his family, was faced with spending his final trip in “crippling, excruciating pain” – until the Cooks community stepped in.
First aid saves lives
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
World First Aid Day is an annual observance held on the second Saturday of September each year serving as a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of first aid knowledge and skills in saving lives.
Cruise ship makes unplanned stop due to medical incidents
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Cruise ship Coral Princess made an unplanned stop in Rarotonga on Tuesday as two people required medical attention, while it is understood a passenger on an inbound Air New Zealand flight to Rarotonga died this week.
