In less than a month, the Department of Public Health and Social Services’ Division of Environmental Health saw its inspector count drop from 11 to eight. During legislative hearings over the past year, public health officials acknowledged their struggle to meet their mandate. With over 3,000 establishments to inspect every three months, they faced more than 12,000 inspections annually. This workload, combined with the mandate to inspect new businesses and investigate citizens’ complaints about pests or foreign objects in food, clearly exceeded capacity.
In response, senators introduced bills that became law, reducing inspection requirements and allowing prioritization based on public health risks. Public Law 37-87 changed the mandate from inspecting permitted establishments four times a year to a "risk-based" approach, reducing the frequency of inspections but aiming to improve their quality. Another law, PL 37-80, staggered the inspection dates for permitted establishments. Previously, Guam law set the expiration of all sanitary permits for June 30.
To safeguard public health, the government must ensure rigorous and effective inspections are consistently conducted. While amending the frequency and timing of inspections may provide flexibility for the current staff, it remains a concern. Health-regulated establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and schools, must be regularly inspected—ideally more than once a year or whenever public health is at risk. These establishments need sanitary permits because they directly impact public health, and meeting sanitary standards is crucial.
We encourage business growth, but it cannot come at the expense of public health. Inspections play a vital role in educating establishments and preventing unsanitary conditions. The government should prioritize both business success and the well-being of its citizens.
We commend public health inspectors and management for collaborating with Guam Community College, the University of Guam, and other partners to generate interest in these critical positions. Kudos also to lawmakers and the governor for working together to find solutions to promote public health. However, more needs to be done, as public health officials continue to face manpower shortages.
Addressing these perennial shortages is not easy, but it is crucial. Adequate staffing and stringent inspections will enhance public safety, strengthen the economy, and foster a healthier Guam. Let us prioritize the well-being of our community by ensuring every establishment adheres to health and safety standards. mbj
In response, senators introduced bills that became law, reducing inspection requirements and allowing prioritization based on public health risks. Public Law 37-87 changed the mandate from inspecting permitted establishments four times a year to a "risk-based" approach, reducing the frequency of inspections but aiming to improve their quality. Another law, PL 37-80, staggered the inspection dates for permitted establishments. Previously, Guam law set the expiration of all sanitary permits for June 30.
To safeguard public health, the government must ensure rigorous and effective inspections are consistently conducted. While amending the frequency and timing of inspections may provide flexibility for the current staff, it remains a concern. Health-regulated establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and schools, must be regularly inspected—ideally more than once a year or whenever public health is at risk. These establishments need sanitary permits because they directly impact public health, and meeting sanitary standards is crucial.
We encourage business growth, but it cannot come at the expense of public health. Inspections play a vital role in educating establishments and preventing unsanitary conditions. The government should prioritize both business success and the well-being of its citizens.
We commend public health inspectors and management for collaborating with Guam Community College, the University of Guam, and other partners to generate interest in these critical positions. Kudos also to lawmakers and the governor for working together to find solutions to promote public health. However, more needs to be done, as public health officials continue to face manpower shortages.
Addressing these perennial shortages is not easy, but it is crucial. Adequate staffing and stringent inspections will enhance public safety, strengthen the economy, and foster a healthier Guam. Let us prioritize the well-being of our community by ensuring every establishment adheres to health and safety standards. mbj