Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health says the new mammogram machine to replace the outdated one is still in it procurement discussion stage.

This was confirmed by Secretary for Health Bob Williams.

Last year, the Ministry announced that mammogram screening would be offered in Rarotonga as early as this year and that they were in the process of procuring a new fully-funded mammogram machine.

The current machine was nearing the end of its lifespan and unable to operate at full capacity, Williams had earlier stated.

Screening was cancelled last year, and women were encouraged to perform self-breast examinations.

The last mammogram screening was held in 2022 where 809 women attended a four-week mammogram screening from August to September 13 at the Rarotonga Hospital. The programme was extended due to Covid-19, to cover the backlog from the previous two years.

It was also revealed earlier this year that the new machine is a Mammomat Revelation for tomosynthesis, designed to detect breast cancer earlier and help women stay healthy. It is being sourced from technology company Siemens, and the quoted price was $300,000, excluding duties and taxes.

In February, Williams told Cook Islands News that there was extensive planning regarding the optimal placement of the equipment, resulting in the final decision to position it near the X-ray and CT scan.

“The new machine needs extra floor space hence the need to relook at the limited spaces in the (Rarotonga) Hospital which means an existing room will be renovated to house the equipment,” he then said.