Roger Cook, the state opposition Health spokesperson, has thrown bitter criticism towards a plan that would allow people waiting for elective surgery to undergo a treatment in a private hospital.

Health Minister Kim Hames has defended the proposal, stressing that it is a direct result of a "blowout" in waiting lists.

Under the new plans, patients who have been waiting for a surgery for over 90 days will be allowed to undergo treatment in a public-private or a completely private hospital.

Mr. Cook, however, pointed out two problems with the plan.

"First of all, it doesn't cost the same as a public hospital. It is much more expensive for the taxpayers to have patients treated in a private hospital. Secondly, it doesn't go to the issue which confronts public hospitals and that is they need more resources and they need a Minister that's prepared to do the hard work to get them working better", he said.

Presently, over 2,000 people are on the waiting list for elective surgery.