Doctors in the Cook Islands are bracing for an increase of hospital visits with visitors flocking to Rarotonga for the Te Maeva Nui celebrations.
The Chief medical officer, Dr Bernard Fouke, says both the Tupapa Health Clinic and Rarotonga Hospital are well staffed, and capable of treating the influx of visitors.
As well as the ambulance and emergency teams at the hospital, Dr Fouke says there will also be a nurse and ambulance officer stationed at the auditorium and the marketplace.
He says staff have put off leave and some are working overtime, as the clinic extends its opening hours.
Dr Fouke says the general public shouldn't see any difference in their level of medical care, except that it might be busier.
