Lawmakers on Monday acknowledged visible improvements at Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) during an oversight hearing, while raising concerns about aging infrastructure, funding delays and persistent operational gaps.
Senators who toured the facility prior to the hearing described a “world of difference” compared to conditions seen just months earlier, citing ongoing repairs and upgraded equipment. GMHA officials reported 44 completed capital improvement projects, 53 ongoing and 11 yet to begin.
Hospital administrators confirmed receipt of $40 million in prior appropriations, largely used to reduce outstanding vendor debt. However, an additional $20 million authorized for fiscal 2026 operations has not yet been released, raising concerns about future cash flow and vendor payments.
“We’ve been waiting all year for it,” a GMHA official said, noting accounts payable currently stands at about $6 million for operations.
A major focus of the hearing was the hospital’s aging electrical system. Officials said key components, including motor control centers and backup generators, are obsolete and require full replacement. Bidding for the project has been extended to April 24 due to vendor interest, with completion expected to take up to 18 months.
Despite the challenges, administrators said the system remains stable through ongoing maintenance.
Lawmakers also revisited a recent oxygen supply scare. GMHA reported it had just five days of supply during a March disruption from the island’s sole provider. Conservation efforts extended that to seven days, avoiding a critical shortage. Officials are now seeking $2 million in federal funding to build an on-site oxygen generation plant.
Supply chain issues and outdated procurement systems continue to impact operations. Hospital leaders cited reliance on manual processes and difficulty securing vendors due to past payment delays.
Meanwhile, staffing metrics showed improvement, with nursing retention at 92.9%, exceeding national averages.
