1. Whereas the Brookhaven National Laboratory and contractor physicians
heretofore referred Roncelan and Utirfk people suffering from non-radiation
reletez diseases to the health authorities of the Trust Territory of the
Pecific Islands, the provisfons for medical care at Majuro and at Ebeye are
such thet the physicians question the propriety of using these resources,
and therefore feel that, where necessary, proper medical care requires
referral of such patients to Honolulu, or, possibly, Guam.
2. Emergency cases from Rongelap and Utirik already referred to Hawaii
this fiscal year include a person requiring open heart surgery ($43,000 ifn
ne a
medical expenses and associated costs) and a pregnant diabetic woman (about
steep herenes
$13,000 in medical expenses and assocfated costs). The need for referral
of other persons with non-radfation related medical needs {s anticipated,
tncludinc cases that are pending.
Additional cases may be identified
during future visits of physicians to Rongelap and Utirik Atolls.
see meena
As you know, the Department of Energy (DOE) {1s requfred by Public Law
95-134 to assume the costs for the care and treatment of radiation related
tnjury or illness occurring in the Rongelap and Utirik people resulting
from the March 1, 1954, atmospheric weapons test conducted at Bikini Atoll.
Except for Public Law 95-134 no statute fdentifies the Department of
Energy as being responsfble at this time, f.e., prior to the adoption of a
health care plan pursuant to Public Lew 96-205, for any health care in the
Marshall Islands. Public Law 96-205 and its legislative history provide no
clear gufdance on this point.
In any event, funds have not been appropri-
ated to the Department of Energy for the care and treatment of
non-radiation related diseases among these people.
Since the Department of Energy has no funds appropriated to address the
above issues, since the expenses associated with persons afflicted with nonraciation relatec illnesses have depleted the present fiscal year funds
remaining for the care and treatment of persons with radiation related
diseases, and since it appears that the Department of the Interior has
legislative and fiscal responsibility for general health care in the Marshall
Islands, it would be most helpful ff you would provide quidance as to the
position which the Department of Energy contract physicfans should take with
regard to the above. In addition, it may be appropriate that the Department
of the Interfor make funds available for the non-radiation related ilinesses
and needs identified above through its legislative authority and resources.
Unless assistance {s forthcoming tn the very near future the Department of
Energy will be forced to direct {ts contract physicfans to refrain from
referring persons with non-radiation related diseases to Honolulu or else-
where. Pending resolution of this matter, we have already requested, on an
interim basis, a sharp curtatiment of these referrals.
RTS EYMES.
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