Guam Memorial Hospital is set to receive a $40 million boost after Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero signed bill one into law.

The new law, now Public Law 38-59, appropriates $40 million dollars from the general fund to cover critical capital improvements and operational costs at the island’s only public hospital. 

That includes electrical system upgrades, medical supplies, and up to five million dollars for information technology infrastructure.

The Governor noted that while the bill is a much-needed step forward, it comes with challenges. 

She warned that language in section three, which ties spending to a “declaration of emergency,” could cause procurement delays. 

However, she clarified that GMH still has the authority to use existing procurement methods to address urgent needs.

Leon Guerrero also raised concerns about the legislature’s budget strategy, pointing out that relying on limited revenue streams while rolling back the business privilege tax could jeopardize government operations in the future.

Despite the hurdles, she said this appropriation is essential to keep GMH running safely and reliably while the long-term push for a new hospital continues.