IHS realignment proposal draws scrutiny from Diné leaders
WINDOW ROCK
The Indian Health Service is expanding tribal consultations on a proposed agency realignment as planning advances for a new Gallup Indian Medical Center, raising concerns among tribal leaders about the future of local federal health services.
Earlier this month, IHS announced it would add additional in-person and virtual consultation sessions after tribes and urban Indian organizations requested more opportunities to provide input on a restructuring proposal that would consolidate the agency’s current 12 regional offices into three.
The agency has stated the realignment is intended to modernize federal operations, improve coordination and strengthen accountability as more tribes assume control of health programs through self-determination agreements.
But Jonathan Nez, who attended a recent consultation session, said many tribal leaders expressed concern that the proposed changes could weaken direct services and reduce tribal influence over health care delivery.
“They say this was a tribal consultation where IHS came out to listen to what the tribal leaders’ comments are,” Nez said. “But based on the presentations we received, I think many tribal leaders felt like it was already a done deal.”
To read the full article, please see the Jan. 8, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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