The University of New Mexico says it can't afford to pay for health care for poor urban Indians, The Albuquerque Journal reports.

The school is disputing a request by the Indian Health Service (IHS) to pay for indigent health care. The dispute is tying up construction of a new UNM hospital, school officials say.

The UNM hospital claims providing the care will cost millions but IHS says it won't cost more than $1 million.

About 23,000 Indians live in Bernalillo County but IHS says only a portion would qualify for the UNM Care program for poor patients. The UNM Care program is financed by a county property tax.

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UNM Hospital Disputes Indian Care (The Albuquerque Journal 5/6)