Senator Sam McMahon made the claim in a Senate estimates hearing yesterday.

Senator McMahon said she had been disappointed to learn the hospital "is currently not able to provide regular basic surgical services for urgent and emergency cases".

The Federal Health Department has promised to investigate.

Senator McMahon made the claim while questioning the Federal Government's ongoing financial support to NT hospitals, including Katherine.

"I was pleased to note the Coalition Government provided $290.8 million to the NT Government for the 18/19 financial year and is committed to increasing this annually," she said.

"What is the Northern Territory Department of Health wasting their money on, such that it no longer provides basic services at a major rural hospital?"

Senator McMahon questioned Health Department officials about the status of the Katherine Hospital.

She said Katherine was home to a large 60-bed regional hospital and was now forcing people to "wait days on end" for minor surgical services or travel 300km to Darwin.

The Health officials said they were not aware of the issue.

Chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy said he would look into the claim.

"In a hospital of that size you would expect it would provide emergency care in that location," Professor Murphy said.

"So I'm not aware of the details of what is happening there.

"Emergency care in that area is something that is required," he said.

A Top End Health Service spokeswoman today said Katherine Hospital provides elective and emergency surgery.

"There is a consultant led surgical service in Katherine for General Surgery with regular visiting speciality services.

"When required Katherine Hospital will refer patients to Royal Darwin Hospital for major operations requiring consultations with sub-specialists and when comprehensive critical care may be required."

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