Health corporation absorbs close to 600 personnel

The Commonwealth Health Corp., which began functioning independently on Oct. 1, has absorbed nearly 600 personnel from the Commonwealth Health Center and the Rota and Tinian health clinics, according to Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez.

He also ordered a status quo on all expiring contracts this month to assist in the transition period. Despite the status quo, however, Villagomez said that the corporation will still be trimming its staffing pattern to reduce expenditures.

Since Medicare requires a certain number of doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff, the streamlining may have to be done within the corporation’s administrative personnel, he said.

CHC had 24 physicians and about 130 nurses, while the Tinian Health Center has one doctor and 15 nurses. The Rota Health Center has two physicians and eight nurses.

“We have less than 600 personnel for now but we’re going to cut down our personnel expenses and because Medicare requires a certain number of doctors and nurses, the part that we could probably control is the number of our administrative people. But for now, we asked a status quo of all the contracts including those expiring this month,” he told Saipan Tribune, adding that some positions may not also be filled as part of the streamlining measure.

Because the corporation has only $5 million in seed money for its operation, Villagomez said they will have to decide on how many FTEs will be required for its efficient operation.

As of yesterday, the governor has yet to name appointees to the corporation board but Villagomez confirmed that names have been submitted for consideration.

Since Saturday, both Tinian and Rota health centers have been operating outside their municipality’s jurisdiction. Villagomez said the “takeover” is not about “who has the full control,” but to ensure that health care needs are being prioritized.

“The corporation took over because we want to ensure that supplies are in place in all health centers. We’re also looking at those contracts that are expiring because they’re no longer reflected in the budget as they are now part of the corporation,” he said.

Due to the current financial state of the government and the declining economy, Villagomez said the transition period may be “slow” until fully stabilized. He also assured employees that the corporation’s aim is to have them continue working and be paid on time.

“There should be no worry for both sides [Tinian and Rota personnel] because the status quo is to allow them to continue working while we begin processing their papers to be hired directly under this corporation. Until those papers are done, then they will become part of the corporation,” he added.

With only $5 million in seed money as starting capital for the corporation, Villagomez already expects to face challenges and struggles.

As an autonomous corporation, the Department of Public Health takes control of CHC, the Rota Health Center, the Tinian Health Center, the Women’s Clinic, the Children’s Clinic, the Community Guidance Center, off-island medical referral, and other clinics.