One resident told the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare that the hospital’s main problem is not a lack of funding but lack of management.
“We have a nice medical facility here but it’s very hard to retain doctors and medical personnel, and the people are afraid to go to the Commonwealth Health Center. Funding could not be the main problem but mismanagement,” the resident said.
Among those who spoke during the hearing was Carmen T. Cabrera, the mother of the 18-year old girl who died following a tonsillectomy operation at CHC on March.
Cabrera asked lawmakers to go to the hospital, observe and experience for themselves the real situation there.
“If you could go there (CHC) and make your own observations, you will know where the problems lie,” she said.
“I would like you to check the competence of the doctors and the medical staff who are employed at CHC,” she added.
On Sept. 16, Cabrera sued CHC for negligence.
About 40 individuals attended the public hearing.
No one among the public and Public Health officials showed up for the 10 a.m. hearing held in the House chamber on Tuesday.
Rep. Joseph C. Reyes, R-Saipan, said CHC should be placed under a state of emergency.
“CHC has lots of problems from the top to the bottom, and these need immediate attention,” he added.
Committee Chairman Ralph DLG Torres, R-Saipan said the public’s concerns will be brought up during the oversight hearings that will be conducted this week.
Also attending Tuesday evening’s public hearing were Reps. Raymond D. Palacios, Covenant-Saipan; Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan; David M. Apatang, R-Saipan; and Edward T. Salas, R-Saipan.
