by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Guam Memorial Hospital administrator Joseph Verga has ordered that blood and blood-related products only be administered at GMH. For the last six years, blood product transfers were sent to the Cancer Center of Guam through a memorandum of understanding so that patients didn't have to go to the hospital for the procedure.

Verga, however, has ordered the practice cease saying the action was taken in the best interests of the health and safety of the people of Guam. Verga says there is no signed MOU in place and the past practice violates safety and regulatory standards and requirements.

Cancer Center of Guam's Dr. Sam Friedman vehemently disagrees with the decision and has asked the governor to step in and intervene saying his patients are already negatively being impacted. Friedman in an e-mail says the Cancer Center is in complete compliance with federal regulators and maintains there is an MOU in place that has allowed patients to be administered the procedure quickly and safely, as opposed to spending hours at the hospital.