The opposition in French Polynesia has denounced the partial closure of the hospital on the island of Raiatea.
The Uturoa hospital has been faced with staff shortages which have affected the health care sector across the archipelago.
The Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party has issued a statement, saying the situation is unprecedented.
It says the doctor shortage has now forced the closure of wards which in turn will lead to costly patient referrals to Tahiti.
The party says nothing is being done to hire doctors after there had already been a hospital service reduction in the Marquesas islands.
It also claims that te health ministry has done nothing with staff to prepare for the planned opening of a large new Taaone hospital in Papeete.
