must be considered in light of the new Marshall Tslands Health Care System. This system is just being developed under contract with a Seventh Day Adventist Health Maintenance Organization. I understand that President Kabua has just submitted a letter to the Burton and Yates Committee requesting $250,000 for the funding of this effort. T understand from the Seventh Day Adventist group that tentative plans have been made to staff Majuro Hospital with an internist, a surgeon and a general practitioner. Information from the DOI indicates that the construction of the new hospital at Majuro will probably be deferred for at least 2 years. continue to be marginal, at least Consequently, the medical facilities will for this period of time, and probably for an additional 2 years both at Majuro and Ebeye. The series of options might begin with an on-site coordinated support program utilizing the Public Health Service Health Professionals working in conjunction with the Seventh Day Adventist HMO. This option, however, would not address the primary health care problems of the Marshall Islands which are: (1) communications, (2) transportation. These problems can be solved with the proper application of existing technologic resources. Islands Government at the present both of these areas. We understand they are in the process of putting STOL (short take off and landing) time The Marshall is making a concerted effort to upgrade strips on most of the atolls and have purchased two STOL aircraft. The dispensary facilities at the outer island atolls certainly must be upgraded and the communication facilities strengthened. There must be as a minimum, reliable voice communication and the facility for air evacuation. Telecommunications via satellite between CDC Atlanta and Micronesia are already functional. This technology could be expanded to be used between the major health care facilities on Majuro and the outer atolls. The ability to utilize daily video communications with medical experts at the Majuro Hospital 9000546 5.