English: The Cook Islands, since 1901 a territory of New Zealand, attained internal self-government on August 4, 1965. The 20,000 inhabitants of this scattered South Pacific group, however, remain New Zealand citizens, while the former administrating country remains responsible for the Islands' defence and External Affairs.

Health improvement and medical care has been a major consideration of both the present and former administrations, and under the Government, medical and surgical treatment is free for all Cook Islanders. Most Cook Islands doctors and nurses were trained and qualified in New Zealand.

Specialist services, as required by this group of youngsters convalescing after orthopaedic surgery in the general hospital on Rarotonga, are however, largely maintained from New Zealand. Cook Islands, Health, Rarotonga publicity photograph. (1965)

Photographer: Unknown

Archives New Zealand Reference: AAQT 6539 W3537 R3423