Expectant mothers are feeling the heat...and so are officials at the Guam Memorial Hospital. Among the long list of concerns discussed today during another oversight hearing on GMH was the lack of air conditioning in the 20-room OB ward.

GMH assistant administrator for operations William Kando says split A/C units were installed three months ago, but still need to be connected to a power supply.

This drew criticism from Senator Frank Blas, Jr. Kando said, "We were actually able to internally assess it so we knew we could do the project, we just didnt go into it blindly we actually also collaborated with GPA. Blas said, "90 days is blindly, Mr. Kando.90 days is blindly."

Kando replied, "I dont think so," to which the senator said, "Tell that to patients in the OB ward who have to bring in their own personal fans."

"We are doing what we can and we are going as fast as we can to get this project done, but we have to do it right," Kando said.

He says one reason for the delay is that only one contractor responded, and the bid came in way too high. But now that some long overdue bills have been paid, other previous contractors are expected to come forward.

Kando says the electrical panel project is being fast-tracked, noting, "The site visit is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The quotations are due for submission by 1pm Monday. So we hope to award it hopefully by the end of next week."

"Hopefully, it really depends on whether all of the supplies that they need, the special panels that they're gonna be installing are on island. If it's off-island, it could take a little longer. But we're projecting about 60 days give or take."

In the meantime, GMH says the OB ward will still have to rely on electric fans for cooling.