By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

THE Guam Memorial Hospital today unveils additional medical services for Guam patients, according to the governor’s office.
“GMH has hired more doctors such as OB-GYNs, radiologists, neotologists, surgeons and cardiologists. This time, the hospital has added much needed services that have never been offered before,” said Shawn Gumataotao, special assistant to the governor.
Acting Gov. Mike Cruz, who is in charge of the administration’s healthcare initiatives, will lead today’s press conference at GMH, where the new services will be announced.
GMH has been a target of criticisms over the past few years due to lack of adequate services that compelled Guam residents to seek treatment elsewhere. But the administration has been pouring more funds into the hospital in an effort to reach its goal to get GMH accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization by July.
Also yesterday, Cruz signed a bill that establishes health maintenance organizations as license insurers authorized to engage in insurance business on Guam.
Bill 395, now Public Law 28-168, places insurance business entities under the insurance rules and regulations established by the Commission on Health Maintenance Organization.
“As we continue our mission to improve our healthcare industry, we must provide our HMOs with the support they need and ensure that they are responsible for following the law,” Cruz said.
“The new amendment clarifies the role of HMOs and requires them to adhere to insurance guidelines as set by law to protect the rights and safety of our patients,” he added.