Guam Medical Association explores recruiting Filipino nurses amidst staffing shortages

The 38th Guam Legislature convened on August 17, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) and its ongoing challenges with staffing and infrastructure. A significant focus of the meeting was the recruitment of medical professionals from the Philippines, a strategy aimed at addressing the persistent shortages in nursing and allied health personnel on the island.

Senator Eusebio highlighted the potential benefits of hiring nurses and doctors from the Philippines, emphasizing that this initiative could save the government money while improving healthcare services. He questioned whether GMHA was actively pursuing partnerships for recruitment and credentialing pathways for qualified medical staff. In response, GMHA officials confirmed that discussions were underway with the governor to introduce legislation that would allow international physicians to practice in Guam, mirroring existing laws in California. This legislation aims to facilitate the onboarding of six physicians from Saint Luke's Hospital in the Philippines, with hopes of having them operational by December.

The meeting also addressed the morale of local nurses, which has been affected by staffing shortages. GMHA officials noted that efforts are being made to recruit nurses who already possess green cards or have passed the NCLEX exam, thereby streamlining the hiring process. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding immigration hurdles and wage disparities that complicate the recruitment of foreign nurses.

Senator Tidalgoque raised concerns about the financial instability of GMHA and the deteriorating infrastructure of the hospital. She pointed out that while there is a law allowing foreign doctors to work in Guam, the medical board has not been facilitating their entry, which raises questions about the board's decision-making processes.

The meeting concluded with discussions on vendor payables, with GMHA reporting a total of $25.6 million owed to vendors, a figure that fluctuates daily. The current nurse-to-patient ratios were also discussed, revealing that while the goal is to maintain a ratio of 1 to 4 or 1 to 5, actual staffing levels can vary based on availability.

Overall, the session underscored the urgent need for effective recruitment strategies and legislative support to enhance Guam's healthcare workforce and address the ongoing challenges faced by GMHA. The next steps involve monitoring the progress of proposed legislation and continuing efforts to improve staffing and patient care at the hospital.