Troubled Times in Gallup, NM: Hospital Faces Closure Amid $9.4M Deficit and New Report Examines Mortality Rate Disparity in New Mexico

Thank you State Senator Greg Baca. I pray that Valencia County finally gets its hospital! I have been over this for years, since my KKIM Radio days! Man Oh man, we will keep praying! This hospital will save lives. Puts people much closer to the care they need and will alleviate pressure on Albuquerque hospitals! I am thankful for Senator Greg Baca and all those that are fighting for the needs of the people!

SANTA FE — Today the House Appropriations and Finance Committee approved the expenditure of $504.5 million dollars in federal pandemic relief funds. Among the appropriations is $50 million dollars towards funding a new hospital. The guidelines for the funding indicate Valencia County is the most likely place for the facility.

Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (District 29-Bernalillo and Valencia), issued the following statement following the news:

“After years of work, I am excited to have an opportunity to have our desperate need for a hospital in Valencia County filled. The lawsuit filed against the Governor by Senator Candelaria and myself to uphold our legislative power to appropriate the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds was exactly for this purpose. The legislators in this building know the issues of their community best because it is our lived reality. This line item is a win not just for Valencia County, but all the surrounding communities and I look forward to seeing this project through.”

I have no idea what Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham was even thinking by raising the cap on medical malpractice from 750K to 6 million!!! This is more proof in the pudding the Governor is lost. When I first heard of this I was dumbfounded that the Governor is so out of touch with real life! HOLY COW!!!!! If the Governor would have her way, many medical facilities would close. I have to pinch myself to see if I am still alive, I cannot even beleive I azm reporting on a story like this! The Governor needs to be replaced in the next election.

I just got this news release this morning:

Santa Fe – HB 11, Medical Malpractice Changes law, amended by Rep. Rebecca Dow (T or C) to include an extended timeframe for implementation. Following a long debate, the amendment was accepted and the measure passed the body with bipartisan support on a vote of 63-2.

“I think every New Mexican should be proud of the work we did today to come together across the aisle and make sure that hardworking medical providers are not left by the wayside,” said House Republican Caucus Chair, Rep. Rebecca Dow (T or C). “Only Governor Lujan Grisham would prioritize raising the cap on medical malpractice from 750K to 6 million, in the middle of a health emergency, while constantly changing her endless executive orders. While our hospitals are asking for stability, predictability, and the tools they need to recruit and retain staff, Lujan Grisham signed HB75, forcing upon our providers a 20%-40% increase in health care premiums. New Mexicans can and will come together on these issues that matter, this vote and agreement proves that.”

HB11 now moves forward to the NM Senate for consideration.

Here is what KOB TV has been reporting