The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas is having to cope without a full-time nephrologist, or a kidney specialist, since earlier this year.
The Northern Marianas has a high rate of kidney-related diseases and diabetes.
The last nephrologist, Dr. Raphael G. Loutoby, reportedly did not renew his contract because of a 20-percent cut in his salary.
During a committee hearing, Representative Ralph Torres asked what is being done to treat dialysis patients if there is no full-time nephrologist.
Marcia Igitol, the Human Resources chief at the Department of Public Health, said they have an agreement with a Guam-based nephrologist to visit the CNMI on a periodic basis.
She said they had been actively recruiting to fill the vacant position, but had been unable to hire anybody.
