But after Weiss left the center, it then hired Juan B. Pangelinan to fill the post, Variety was told by a resident who complained about the inefficient health delivery and services at the center.
“It doesn’t make sense when you claimed there’s no fund but then you continue hiring people,” said the resident, who declined to be identified.
“We like the services of Weiss, he is very good,” he added.
He said THC should also hire more physicians instead of physician assistants who still has to ask the Commonwealth Health Center about certain medications for some patients.
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez said he is not aware of the financial issue at THC but added that he will look into its need for an additional physician.
“We are looking now at the number of patients at Tinian whether it warrants two physicians or more mid-level health providers,” he told Variety.
He said they will also look into the financial condition of the center.
The Tinian resident said there was no physician for over a week last month and THC didn’t explain why Dr. Stelphan J Lebamoff was “absent.”
The resident said THC should conduct a random drug test among its personnel.
He said some THC personnel have reported to work under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.
As of press time, THC administration had not responded to this reporter’s request for comment.
Freddy Hofschneider, the THC administrator, earlier said they would answer all the concerns raised by the resident.
The resident said he has noticed that THC vehicles are often seen driving through villages during office hours.
“I was wondering if the personnel at the center are working or they have already abandoned their jobs,” he said.
He also claimed that the THC management is giving false information and releasing confidential information of a patient.
He is asking the Office of the Public Auditor to investigate the medical referral office on Tinian and the person in-charge of the release of subsistence allowance.
He said some who don’t have a doctor’s certificate continue to receive their allowance.
“Some who are now residing in the U.S., they also continue to get their allowance,” he said.
He said THC is also allowing the nursing supervisor instead of the physician to make recommendations regarding the referral of patients, adding “this must be the reason why the approvals of our referrals are being delayed.”
