A huge disaster

The issue between the Commonwealth Health Center and the Kagman Community Health Center is one huge disaster. What I don’t understand is why a problem even sprouted when the people with authority planted the seed of separating both clinics? Why was it thought out to be a “great idea” for the people of CNMI but turned into something not so great? Was it really for the people or the personal problems of the employees?

The governor decided that KCHC and CHCC would no longer be under the same branch, making KCHC an independent healthcare service program. Since KCHC had become independent, it seemed like CHCC started to become more greedy with their equipment. This is what some would call a “personality conflict.” KCHC is currently in the position of closure and there aren’t any signs of it ending any time soon. Some say that this is the cause of the unexpected changes from CHCC with the passwords and key codes, leaving KCHC with no access to their buildings. This is because they wanted to “secure the equipment and assets of the clinic belonging to CHCC.” That’s where a personal problem was brought to light. What purpose would securing the equipment serve to KCHC when they are clearly trying to use the correct equipment to assist civilians who are in need of aid?

The idea of keeping things away from another facility that could definitely help those in dire need is just pure selfishness! The lives and wellbeing of the people who go to that clinic for their services were at stake because of someone’s bureaucratic pettiness. This not only affects patients, but the workers there as well. They are desperate to go back to work but instead they’ve now become victims of this issue too.

This issue has not only affected the community, but it also turned into something political. This has come to the point that the Senate had to step in to actually see what could be done when, in reality, they are powerless unless it’s about making or changing a law. The authorities thought that KCHC becoming independent would be a simple “transfer of power and resources” but turned into a closure of the clinic. With that said, KCHC had to be relocated to Santa Soledad Parish because of the altered codes and passwords.

It seems like people are just trying to find more reasons to keep KCHC closed instead of actually finding solutions to keep it open. If the administration were really all about solution, then this issue would fit under the category of a true emergency in need of solutions as soon as possible.

Kristine Pude
Koblerville, Saipan