WAILUKU >> Maui’s new medical care provider has hired five doctors in the last four months, bringing to 11 the number of new physicians Maui Health System has brought in since Kaiser Permanente took over management of Maui County’s three public hospitals nearly two years ago.

Michael Rembis, the CEO of Maui Health System, told The Maui News the newest hires include two neurosurgeons, two trauma/general surgeons and one oncological surgeon.

He said Maui Health System aims to recruit 10 physicians every year.

The system took over Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital from the Hawaii Health Systems Corp., a state agency, in 2017.

Gov. David Ige said at the time that the 30-year contract would save the state $260 million over 10 years — though the state would still need to subsidize the hospitals initially.

Last year, the hospitals received $28 million from the state. Maui Health System is requesting $26 million for the next fiscal year.

In his version of the budget, Ige has requested $20.5 million for next fiscal year.