The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is firing back at the Office of Public Accountability after a recent audit criticized the hospital’s handling of physician compensation.

In a letter to Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane, Committee Chair, GMHA claims the audit is riddled with errors.

“The people of Guam deserve explanations as to why their tax dollars are being spent on audits that admittedly fail to follow government auditing standards and contain basic mathematical errors,” it stated.

GMHA also accuses Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz of lacking independence, citing his interview with KUAM where he allegedly used profanity and made false claims about hospital practices. The hospital insists that all patients are treated, regardless of administrative duties.

“Consistent with our legal obligations, GMHA takes all patients that come through our doors,” it further stated.

“Being the only government hospital we want to make sure that the services are available. In order to make those services available we have to hire, we have to recruit, and retain these physicians, who have gone through so many years of licensure, training, and education- their expertise, we need them to continue the services here on island,” said Lillian Perez-Posadas, GMH Administrator.

Sen. Mantanane is now being asked to expand her oversight, not only of GMHA but also of the OPA itself. Lawmakers are set to discuss the issue in a hearing on March 19.

For now, the debate continues over the accuracy and fairness of the audit, with both sides standing their ground.

“We save lives. We save lives at the hospital. We take anybody and everybody. Regardless of their ability to pay. We take care of them,” added Posadas.

"GMH should be preparing for their oversight hearing not throwing shade at the Public Auditor," said Sen. Salas Matanane. "The OPA has already been invited to attend and has confirmed participation. GMH can provide more clarification and response to the audit findings at that time."