This situation has been going on over the past two months because CHC’s only nephrologist, Dr. Saied Safabakhsh, also known as Dr. Safa, is currently on Guam, health officials disclosed to the House Committee on Healthm, Education and Welfare during Friday’s hearing.
Rep. Ralph DLG Torres, R-Saipan, who chairs the committee, said the situation is unacceptable and should be dealt with immediately.
CHC chief of staff Dr. Florian Braig told the committee Dr. Safa is providing advice to CHC patients only through the telephone.
He stressed that the situation is not ideal because there are very sick patients who need a personal consultation with a kidney specialist.
CHC medical director Dr. Richard Brostrom said a nephrologist has to be present, stay and serve the needs of the people.
He added that the community is nervous about the situation.
Acting Health Secretary John Tagabuel together with Braig, Brostrom and other CHC officials also underscored the acute shortage of doctors at CHC.
Members of the Committee took turns in inquiring health and CHC officials for inputs on how to address the situation.
Tagabuel assured the committee to provide formal feedback this Wednesday.
After the investigation, Variety requested Braig and Brostrom to elaborate on what they told the House Committee, but the two doctors declined.
Last week, Variety reported that a CHC patient undergoing hemodialysis treatment for years found himself at the CHC’s intensive care unit.
