The Cook Islands government has approved the establishment of a medical school in Rarotonga, which is due to open on May the 29th.
The South Pacific School of Medicine, founded by American Dr Larry Sands, will operate out of the Rakahanga hostel, where they have a two-year tenancy agreement.
35,000 US dollars has already been paid for the first six months of rent.
But the acting Secretary of Education, Peter Etches, says nothing has been referred to his ministry about the medical school.
However, the Director of Health, Vaine Teokotai, says the application for the school has been in the pipeline for two years.
"they've been through a whole lot of work towards the establishment of the school. And I'm advised that the school is starting its initial training in May."
Vaine Teokotai, the Director of Health in the Cook Islands.
The school will cater for 25 mainly foreign students.
