“Now is not the time for finger pointing or political posturing.  We all need to get behind the vision of accessible quality healthcare for the people of Guam.” 

—     Former Lt. Governor Dr. Mike Cruz

For Immediate Release

February 8, 2018

 

Amid growing tensions and ratcheting rhetoric surrounding the Guam Memorial Hospital, Governor Eddie Calvo and former Lt. Governor Mike Cruz, M.D. discussed the challenges facing GMH today. In December 2017, the Governor appointed Dr. Cruz and Dr. Larry Lizama as his Health Czars tasking them to review healthcare on island and help shape public policy that serves the best interest of our community. 

 

Dr. Mike Cruz is the Chief Operating Officer at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC).  The opening of GRMC was a major milestone in healthcare during the current administration. 

 

Governor Calvo said, “Former Lieutenant Governor Cruz has been a healthcare leader on Guam for many decades and has been pivotal in advancing healthcare for our people.  I am confident that with his involvement, political leaders will take a more objective view at these long-standing issues.”

 

“I was encouraged by the Governor’s resolve to address the challenges facing healthcare on Guam,” Cruz said. “It is that commitment at the very top that allowed us to achieve accreditation at GMH for the first time in 26 years.”

 

As Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Cruz led GMH efforts to regain accreditation after it was lost for many years.  At the time, Cruz stated that accreditation was achieved as a result of three things: an apolitical board, legislative support in fully funding GMH’s needs, and allowing GMH the autonomy to operate without political interference.

 

“These things still apply today. There is a need for our island’s leadership to come together to make this happen. The political distractions being played out publicly are only hurting the delivery of care and the ability for GMH to retain its accreditation,” Cruz added. “Now is not the time for finger pointing or political posturing.  We all need to get behind the vision of accessible quality healthcare for the people of Guam and we need to support a dedicated funding source for GMH’s annual shortfall of $30 million.” 

 

See Dr. Mike Cruz GMH video link at:

https://www.facebook.com/eddiebazacalvo/videos/1633767700023825/

Skip to content