1 Nov 2006

Cooks government to probe credentials of new medical school

4:01 pm on 1 November 2006

The Cook Islands government says it has asked for an independent investigation into the South Pacific Medical School.

The school opened its door to its first students in May, but has sparked controversy on several grounds.

An initial investigation has been concluded and a government spokesperson says it found the school should call itself a pre-medical school, rather than a medical school, as it did not meet all requirements for a medical school.

He says it found the school must re-submit a new proposal with a more realistic view.

He says the new, independent review will look into the issue again and the former prime minister, Dr Robert Wontoon is heading the investigation.