Hospital doctors down to 24; 2 more physicians resign

The doctor count at the Commonwealth Health Center continues to decline, with only 24 physicians remaining after the resignation of its director for Medical Affairs, Dr. Michael Deary, and two other physicians this week.

Saipan Tribune learned that just days after Deary’s resignation, another physician assigned to the Obstetrics and Gynecology section followed suit. Dr. Jean Grant had already turned in her 30-day notice, hospital sources said.

Another physician also reportedly informed management about his decision not to renew his contract which will expire soon.

This week, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation chief executive officer Juan N. Babauta named Dr. Jeremy Richards as the new acting director for Medical Affairs. The position allows him to sit as a voting member of the corporation board.

Richards confirmed with the Saipan Tribune yesterday that the DMA post was offered to him on Wednesday and that he had accepted it. Richards has been with CHC for nine months now and is the hospital’s psychiatrist.

With all the serious challenges besetting the corporation, Richards said his role as DMA would be tough but he promised to work on the “morale” at the hospital. “I think there’s a lot of morale issues.and I would try to unite people, make plans together for better actions,” he added.

As of January this year, there were 27 doctors at the hospital, three of them locums, or short-term hires. The hospital also employs a number of physician assistants.

According to hospital personnel interviewed yesterday, they expect a few more doctors and health providers to leave within the year due to the worsening financial crisis at the hospital. They cited the uncertainties in their payroll, allotments, and the overall condition of the public hospital, which is short of important medical supplies and equipment.

CHC staff said that they were not surprised when they learned of the departure of the three doctors and that many are expected to do the same in coming months as their contracts expire.

Babauta was in a meeting when contacted by Saipan Tribune yesterday for comments. In an earlier interview, Babauta said the corporation plans to hire eight more doctors.

Since the takeover of the healthcare corporation in October 2011, the agency was only appropriated $5 million for personnel and operations. The hospital is currently under a state of emergency declared by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.

Last Tuesday, the corporation received $1 million of a $3 million loan from Marianas Public Land Trust to pay the seven pay period allotments for its employees’ retirement and health insurance.