Depolitization of Guam's health care services sought; autonomy proposed for Community Health Center

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Therese Terlaje

Noting the need to de-bureaucratize and depoliticize Guam's health care services, Sen. Therese Terlaje has proposed a bill that would grant autonomy to the Community Health Center.

Terlaje's Bill 169-38 would detach the CHC from the Department of Public Health and Social Services, converting it into an independent government agency.

The former speaker said freeing the CHC from the web of bureaucracy and allowing it to operate independently would facilitate a prompt response to patients' urgent healthcare needs.

“This change is critical to protect the federal funding that keeps the Northern and Southern health centers running and to give the CHC board the authority to improve services, hire more staff, and respond faster to the island’s healthcare needs,” Terlaje said.

“With health care already stretched thin in Guam, we can’t afford to lose any more resources, and these community-based centers put doctors, nurses, labs, pharmacies and immunization right where they are needed most,” she added.

Bill 169-38 seeks to remove politics from the day-to-day management of health facilities by replacing the current advisory board with a governing board that can set clinic priorities, decide on services and fees, hire staff and equip facilities based on the real needs of patients, not political agenda.

It would replace appointed board members with a board composed of patients and other individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, social services, finance, or law.

The Northern and Southern health clinics provide essential medical care to thousands of residents each year, particularly those with low incomes, no insurance, or limited access to private clinics. The health centers also help alleviate pressure on Guam Memorial Hospital by providing healthcare to these areas of the island.

Terlaje previously worked with CHC and the DPHSS to address these concerns through Bill 209-37, which was vetoed by the governor.

The CHC board testified that the health centers need more independence and flexibility to make their own decisions and keep providing and expanding care as needed without delays or political interference.

Bill 169-38 is co-sponsored by Sens. Sabrina Salas Matanane, Sabina Perez, Chris Barnett, Telo Taitague, Joe San Agustin and Speaker Frank Blas Jr.

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