The ongoing debate over the location of the new medical complex in Guam continues to intensify, with a public disagreement emerging between Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and the Guam Medical Association (GMA).

Despite both parties agreeing on the necessity of a new hospital, the dispute centers around where to construct it.

In a press release, Governor Leon Guerrero expressed frustration, stating that she had made numerous attempts to meet with GMA representatives, particularly their President, Dr. Thomas Shieh.

According to the governor, these efforts were met with resistance, culminating in Dr. Shieh's recent decision not to attend an upcoming information meeting regarding the proposed Guam Medical Complex in Barrigada.

However, Dr. Shieh contested the governor's version of events, asserting that it was the GMA who reached out and invited the governor to a dinner meeting, which she initially accepted but later canceled.

“The truth is, we were the one who reached out and invited the governor to dinner to meet with us. And the date was set for the 21st. They accepted the date. And then we just wanted to have a heart to heart conversation with the governor. And we just wanted to talk about ideas, and finding the solutions to advance health care on Guam. And she accepted it and then she canceled.”

Dr. Shieh and others within the medical field have been very vocal about having the new Medical Complex at Ypao point in Tamuning.

Shieh adds the Medical Association is still willing to meet with the governor, stating it won’t be on her terms.

“I think she needs to consider the health care providers around here just to build it already in Ypao. So I'm, we're just pleading to her that please sit down and listen to us, have a heart to heart talk. You don't have to talk to us about information hearings or anything like that, or informational meeting, that's just a one way street that really is not productive at all. We tell her that, hey, that medical complex is already built, and its surrounding Ypao all we need is a hospital, she just won't listen.”

In response, Governor Leon Guerrero expressed disappointment, noting that while Dr. Shieh represents only a small portion of the island's medical professionals, he has consistently declined invitations to meet, focusing more on the interests of his Tamuning clinic.

The governor encourages members of the medical community to participate in ongoing efforts to discuss the medical complex's future.

However, Dr. Shieh asserts that a meeting on Nov. 27 is impossible due to a shortage of doctors and medical professionals on the island.

As the standoff continues, Dr. Shieh announced that the GMA plans to work with the legislature in December to present their ideas and suggestions for the island's healthcare system.