New contract OK’d for Tinian physician
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. board chair Joaquin Torres disclosed yesterday that a new contract has been approved for the lone physician on Tinian, Dr. Steve Lebamoff, who just returned from personal leave.
“The board has approved a new contract for Dr. Lebamoff because…the Tinian center needs a physician and everyone is satisfied with his performance,” Torres said.
Lebamoff was first hired when the health center was still under the municipality’s control. The corporation took over the operation of the health center on Oct. 1 this year.
Lebamoff was hired early this year for $130,000 per annum. Torres could not immediately confirm if the new contract offers Lebamoff the same salary rate. The physician’s contract is for one year with an option to renew for another year.
Lebamoff replaced Dr. Priyawathan Wijay, who exited the center in November last year.
Lebamoff used to work at THC during the administration of former mayor Francisco Borja and in the early part of former mayor Jose San Nicolas’ term.
THC has a total of 15 nurses. It accommodates about 50 patients daily during regular working hours.
Torres also said the board has extended the appointments of acting resident directors on Rota and Tinian health centers pending the selection of permanent officials. He said that both Freddy Hofschneider at THC and Edward Maratita at the Rota center may apply for these positions if they are qualified.