Feds inspect Tanapag and Kagman

U.S. Public Health officials recently visited the CNMI to look into the possibility of providing grants for the regular operation of Tanapag Health Clinic and the establishment of a health clinic in Kagman area.

Department of Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez said the four federal officials were here last week to look at the two areas that will need immediate grants.

As a result of the visit, DPH is now working on a pre-planning grant which will help the office determine the operational needs of the two clinics.

Regular operation of Tanapag Health Clinic may be funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration. The operation of the clinic is currently financed by the government but the Department of Interior has helped in bringing in doctors from the U.S. mainland.

The Tanapag Health Clinic was established primarily to carry out health evaluation of the local people in connection with the widespread contamination of polychlorinated biphenyl.

Due to the health problems confronting the Tanapag residents, DPH has decided to look for grants converting its operation into an urgent care facility that will respond to the emergency needs of the residents.

The Tanapag Clinic was established last May primarily for the health evaluation of residents in the village in connection with polychlorinated biphenyl contamination.

Likewise, the growth of the residential area in Kagman has pushed public health officials to find ways in establishing a well-equipped health clinic just like in San Antonio Village.

Setting up clinics in different villages will help ease the operation of the Commonwealth Health Center.

Village leaders and health officials are finalizing the scheduled reopening of Tanapag Health Clinic to begin explaining to the community members the results of the health evaluation conducted among residents.(LFR)