by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - The Legislative Healthcare Committee is scrutinizing the Guam Medical Referral Office and the services they provide in Manila, Los Angeles, and Honolulu. During a roundtable discussion on Monday night, concerns were raised about improving the services that are given to residents who must go off-island for medical care. The office provides airport shuttle services, lodging and transportation.

Committee chair Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. said the $600,000+ spent annually on the office may be put to better use. "As I can see it for the amount of money that we spend on it that's a large price tag to be a concierge service, because that's what it is. You set up the transportation for the patient and make sure they get to their appointments. We're going to look at other ways that we could possible use this money for."

The senator says there are other private organizations that offer more resources and services with a similar annual budget. There was also discussion on how to spread awareness as many residents who must go off-island do not take advantage of the services the office provides.