Native News
Navajo Nation Leaders Back Plan for New Gallup Indian Medical Center
Members of the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee (HEHSC) of the 25th Navajo Nation Council joined federal health officials Thursday to visit the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) and tour the proposed site for a replacement hospital in Gamerco, New Mexico.
Senior Advisor Mark Cruz of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Acting Director Clayton Fulton of the Indian Health Service met with Navajo Nation leaders to discuss health care infrastructure needs and planning for a future hospital that will serve tribal communities in the Gallup service area.
The visit included a tour of the Gallup Indian Medical Center led by Capt. Brian Campbell. During the tour, delegates observed the Emergency Department expansion and other operational areas. The walkthrough provided leaders an opportunity to assess current services and discuss infrastructure improvements needed to support patients from the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.
Following the hospital tour, officials traveled to Gamerco to review land designated for the proposed replacement facility. Navajo Nation leaders conducted a visual assessment of the site and discussed long-term development plans for the new medical center and related infrastructure.
The Gamerco site was formally approved by the Navajo Nation Council through a resolution adopted by the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee in June 2024. The resolution rescinded an earlier decision selecting a site in Rehoboth and determined that the Gamerco property provides greater acreage, improved access, and fewer environmental and zoning concerns.
The Navajo Nation previously acquired land in Gamerco and completed environmental site assessments to support development planning for the future hospital. The resolution also directs coordination with the Indian Health Service to complete remaining steps necessary to move the project toward construction.
Council Delegate Germaine Simonson emphasized the importance of modern health care facilities to address longstanding health challenges facing Navajo communities.
“I’ve seen the impact that health challenges have had on our people. Our vision is to create spaces that support healing and bring our communities back to healthy living,” said Delegate Simonson.
HEHSC Chair Vince James said the Gamerco location offers proximity to major transportation routes and access to planned infrastructure connections, including water and sewer services from the City of Gallup.
“This site has moved farther than any of the previous locations that were considered. The infrastructure is nearby and the planning is moving forward. Our focus is to work with federal partners to secure the funding necessary to begin construction as soon as possible,” said Delegate James.
The Navajo Nation continues working with the Indian Health Service and federal partners to finalize planning documents, secure construction cost estimates, and pursue federal appropriations needed to advance the Gallup Indian Medical Center replacement project.
Further coordination between Navajo Nation leadership and federal agencies is expected as the project moves toward the design and construction phases.