The Niue government has confirmed it is gauging interest in a possible sell-off of health services but is assuring Niueans that they will still get the same level of free medical care.
The premier, Toke Talagi, says it is an idea the government has been considering for several years after worries about basic maintenance and operational tasks.
The hospital's morgue has been out of order for several months and people are asked to organise funerals on the day a family member dies - a move that has angered some because relatives overseas have no chance of attending.
Mr Talagi says it will take time to evaluate all the options and there will be wide consultations.
He has also assured health workers that their jobs are not under threat.