Guam renews partnership with the Philippines' St. Lukes Medical Center

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Guam has renewed its long-standing partnership with St. Luke’s Medical Center, allowing local residents to continue seeking specialized medical treatment in the Philippine facility.

“While Guam continues to expand local capacity through the Guam Memorial Hospital and public health, the reality is that many of our people still need access to specialized care that isn’t available here,” acting Gov. Tenorio said Thursday during the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

Tenorio emphasized the importance of establishing a network of partnerships to address Guam’s healthcare challenges, particularly the shortage of specialty services locally. 

“This renewed MOU with St. Luke’s ensures more affordable, accessible options for our patients, especially those traveling on medical referral," Tenorio said.

The MOU, which took effect on May 29, is good for one year.

"With thousands of Guam residents going to the Philippines each year for care, and the majority choosing St. Luke’s, this partnership is vital," Tenorio said.

According to a press release from the governor's office, the MOU renewal maintains a direct referral pathway between the Medical Referral Office and St. Luke’s Medical Center, allowing patients, many of whom are supported by public health funding, to receive specialized treatment in Manila. 

 The MOU ensures liaison between Guam's Medical Referral Office and the Philippine Medical and Dental Referral Office.

Guam Memorial Hospital also renewed its MOU with St. Luke’s to foster greater clinical collaboration and help facilitate continuity of care for patients navigating complex medical journeys.

“This relationship goes beyond business,” said Dr. Dennis Serrano, president and CEO of St. Luke's. “It’s about compassion, continuity, and trust."

He added that the partnership not only ensures access to care for Guam patients, but also provides opportunities to share expertise.

“This partnership has always been personal,” said Lilian Perez-Posadas, GMH administrator. “Our patients get the help they need, and our teams work hand-in-hand to ensure continuity of care from Guam to Manila. That collaboration has made a difference for so many families.”

According to the governor's office, the MOU renewal also highlighted the historic and cultural ties between Guam and the Philippines, which continue to shape healthcare, education and workforce development efforts on the island.

“From nurses who helped build our medical system to the current generation of healthcare professionals, the Philippines has always been part of Guam’s healing journey,” Tenorio said.

“Today’s MOUs are a continuation of that tradition and a reaffirmation of our commitment to helping families get the care they need, without unnecessary hardship," he added.