by Krystal Paco

Guam - Legislation has been introduced focusing on potential tax revenue that will be generated from the new hospital going up in Dededo. According to Bill 91 it would take all the tax revenue generated from the Guam Regional Medical Center and appropriate it to the Guam Memorial Hospital to supplement pharmaceutical and related supplies.

According to the bill when the new hospital begins operations GMH's client base will decrease and result in reduced revenues. We should add the measure would also apply to all other new medical facilities.

Guam Medical Association president Dr. Thomas Shieh supports the bill as well as the idea of the application of the law to all current medical facilities in Guam. "GovGuam does need the revenue and GMH does need the revenue so any new medical facility that is developed or created then those tax revenues are secured and is dedicated to the health fund," he said. "I think that's good. I think if all the doctors, you know, tax money or any kind of health facility, the industry wide is dedicated to the hospital and go right back into health care I think that's good."

In the meantime Guam Regional Medical Center communications and community relations officer says GRMC is withholding comment until it has thoroughly reviewed the legislation. We should note GRMC has applied for a qualifying certificate which is a program administered GEDA offering tax incentives for business looking to invest in Guam. The measure was introduced by Senators Rory Respicio and Tom Ada. You can read the bill at GuamLegislature.com.