In an interview last week, Untalan said he remains optimistic despite the “rough times” the commonwealth is facing, particularly regarding the delivery of health care services.
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez earlier expressed concern about the possibility of CNMI health workers’ leaving for the U.S. once they get an immigration status that will make them eligible for a “green card.”
For Untalan, however, federalization will allow the department to “recruit J1 visas doctors that are U.S.-trained and board certified.”
