RECENTLY, my physician recommended that I get an executive checkup as well as a few other procedures at the new St. Luke’s Medical facility in Manila. I’ve always heard rave reviews about the health care and services offered there, so I booked the trip and scheduled my procedures.

I must say the physicians and facilities at St. Luke’s Medical facility were remarkable! I was so amazed at the health care that was available and the incredible service I was given.

While there, I did not travel more than 50 feet without running into someone from Guam. Some were there for routine annual checkups, some for supplementary diagnostic testing, and some, sadly, fighting for their survival. My heart still remains heavy, yet hopeful, for our people who continue to seek treatment. I’ll continue to keep them in my prayers, and I ask that all of you do the same.

With my downtime in-between procedures I visited with many of our residents, who, for the most part, shared a common concern: Guam does not have sufficient medical services and medications. Further, many of our people are having problems using federal insurance coverage for the procedures they need to receive in Manila.

I was fraught thinking of the dilemma many families face in order to receive adequate medical treatment.

After seeing the off-island medical process first-hand, and hearing many of our people’s concerns, I must commend Peter Sgro and his team for bringing to fruition what seemed like an out-of-reach dream for Guam to have a state-of-the-art private hospital.

In my conversations with Pete, he reassured me that the new hospital would contain the latest medicines available and offer the same procedures as St. Luke's!

In order to gain insight about the federal insurance problems our residents were facing, I consulted with my colleague Sen. Frank Blas Jr. As I was educated about a complex process involving prohibitions and stringent requirements in Obamacare, Sen. Blas further informed me that these and other issues are at the forefront of what he plans on addressing in the very near future.

I’ve been so uplifted to learn about the budding potential in store for Guam!

I’d like to be abundantly clear: I’m thankful for the great staff and medical professionals at Guam Memorial Hospital. Though the burden they carry is cumbersome, miracles are happening at their facility every day!                                                                                                                  

As a policy maker, I will work every day to ensure our medical facilities are equipped with necessary resources to ensure there is no double standard when it comes to the fragile task of caring for the people of Guam. For, when it comes to the health and welfare of our people, there is no room for error.

People of Guam, real hope is on the way! God bless you, and God bless Guam!