The Northern Marianas' healthcare provider is asking local government to invest $US90 million for the 2018 fiscal year.
Saipan in the Northern Marianas. Photo: Supplied
Marianas Variety reported that the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) asked for the money to hire more specialised physicians and apply for visas for its non-resident nurses.
During a Senate budget hearing Senator Justo Quitugua said the hospital should improve its services to reduce the number of patients referred to off-island hospitals.
An average of 800 patients are sent off-island each year.
However, CHCC chief executive Esther Muna said reducing off-island referrals was a part of her budget proposal.
She said the hospital wanted to provide more services but the government needed to invest in its health provider.