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Benefits of minimally invasive technology
debated at UK parliamentary meeting
A cross section of members of parliament, clinicians and patient groups came
together in London last week to debate the benefits of minimally invasive
technology (MIT) at a parliamentary reception. 22 July 2008
Global action against neglected tropical diseases
The WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Neglected Tropical
Diseases (STAG-NTD) has released a report of its recommendations to the
World Health Organization (WHO) on action to take over neglected tropical
diseases resulting from its meeting in April. 16 July 2008
IHA to assess value of medical devices and
improve use
The Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) of California has been awarded a
$1.3m grant to implement statewide collection of comparative data, evaluate
purchasing and payment systems, and develop a new episode-based payment
method for medical device purchasing. 6 June 2008
Lung cancer in Europe not prioritised
despite poor survival rates
The fragmented organisation and management of lung cancer diagnosis and care
in many European countries are exacerbating already poor survival rates
amongst patients with the disease, according to a report from a group of
leading Swedish researchers. 6 June 2008
International Diabetes Federation to set
up global framework for diabetes education
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) will begin designating centres
of education globally to improve clinical outcomes, care and knowledge of
healthcare providers and people with diabetes. IDF is calling for
applications from institutions and member organisations that have a
recognised reputation in health professional education. 6 June 2008
UK
Health Protection Agency to study health effects of MRI scanners
The UK Health Protection Agency has announced its intention to study the
potential harmful effects on patients and medical staff of the high magnetic
fields generated by magnetic resonance imaging machines.22 May
2008
Call for European action to combat heart
disease
A Call for Action encouraging European countries to develop national
strategies to combat 4.3 million deaths and economic loss of
€192 billion annually from heart disease
has been issued by the Joint European Societies on Cardiovascular Disease
Prevention. 29 April 2008
Workshops on FDA medical device
inspections outside US
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding two
workshops in Europe to help medical device companies prepare for an FDA
inspection. 11 April 2008
Clinical trials have major deficiencies in
design and funding
There are major shortcomings in the way clinical trials are designed,
carried out and funded in the US. These include the exclusion or
under-representation of women, older people and minorities and insufficient
training in disparities for members of institutional review boards. 7 April
2008
Dutch molecular medicine institute
allocates €150m for disease research
The Center for Translational Molecular Medicine (CTMM) in Eindhoven has
awarded €150 million of funding for nine
research projects directed at the most prevalent diseases in the
cardiovascular area, cancer and neurodegeneration.
Better primary care for elderly could
reduce hospitalisation by 50%
An efficient response from primary care would reduce hospitalisation of
people over 60 by more than 50%, for cases caused by the most common
illnesses in the older population, according to a study by researchers at
the University of Granada. 31 March 2008
Global pledge to avert 388 million deaths
from chronic diseases
A group of leading international health experts and activists, the Oxford
Health Alliance, has launched a call to action to confront the global
explosion of chronic diseases which will claim 388 million lives in the next
decade. 10 March 2008
US representatives call for more funding
for prostate cancer research
Prostate cancer has become more common than breast cancer, yet advanced
diagnostic imaging technologies comparable to mammograms remain unavailable.
Over 20 US representatives have urged the US Department of Health and Human
Services and National Institutes of Health to urgently fund research into
the disease. 18 February 2008
European Commission sponsors study on
regulating nanotechnology in the EU and US
The EC has awarded US$587,000 to a group of US and UK institutes, headed by
the London School of Economics and Political Science, to compare
nanotechnology regulation in the EU and US and assist a unified approach to
regulation. 18 February 2008
US offers industry voluntary submission of
nanotechnology hazards
Industry, non-governmental organizations and other groups in the US can
voluntarily submit safety data on engineered nanoscale materials under the
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plan for the Nanoscale Materials
Stewardship Program under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 1
February
UK strategy to improve cancer services
The UK government has published a five-year cancer strategy focussing on
prevention and improving services. The report identifies the need to tackle
the serious shortage of radiotherapy capacity and radiographers, delays in
uptake of new cancer drugs and the need to encourage the spread of improved
surgical techniques. 15 January 2007
Harvard's top 10 health stories of 2007
Drug safety, genome science and sleep are among the top ten health issues of
2007 chosen by the editors of Harvard Medical School's Harvard Health
Letter. 17 December
Public safety at risk from FDA's lack of
resources to keep up with scientific advances
A new report on the state of the US Food and Drug Agency (FDA) says that the
safety of the nation is at risk from the inability of the Agency to keep up
with advances across a wide range of scientific fields. 17 December
World Bank report says TB control would
lead to massive economic gain for poor countries
A World Bank study has found that 22 countries with the world’s highest
numbers of TB cases could earn significantly more than they spend on TB
diagnosis and treatment if they implemented a global plan to sharply reduce
the numbers of TB-related deaths. Highly affected African countries could
gain up to 9 times their investments in TB control. 12 December
Ineffective action in controlling TB
causing 1.6 million deaths each year
TB is treatable, but inadequate action by governments worldwide is leading
to escalating cases of drug-resistance, of which only 2% are treated. TB is
an avoidable human tragedy of 9 million infected people and 1.6 million
deaths each year. 12 December
Berlin future fund grants €16m to medical
engineering projects
The Technologiestiftung Berlin (TSB) has granted €2.2m to develop a new
marker for use in diagnosing strokes. It is the eighth medical engineering
project supported by the Fund and brings the total granted in this area to
€16m. 6 December
 Diabetes
communities unite to celebrate World Diabetes Day November 14
Diabetes currently affects 246 million people globally. For all of them and
the many millions more at risk, November 14, 2007 is a highly significant
date as it marks the first United Nations-observed World Diabetes Day. 13
November Reducing the environmental
impact of medical technology at Siemens
Siemens Medical Solutions systematically improves the impact of its products
and systems on people and the environment. As a result, new computed
tomography systems consume 30% less energy, contain 80% less lead and
generate up to 58% less radiation than previous systems. 22 October
World ill-prepared to cope with
catastrophic impact of flu pandemic
The impact of a flu pandemic is likely to exceed what most corporate and
governmental leaders have imagined, or are prepared for, according to a new
report. A long-lasting pandemic is not only likely to happen, but overdue. 9
October
Up to 98% of hepatitis C in Europe goes
undiagnosed
A report released today by the Eurasian Harm Reduction Network (EHRN)
highlights the significant inconsistencies that exist in hepatitis C (HCV)
diagnosis and treatment across Europe and beyond. In recognition of World
Hepatitis Awareness Day, patient groups around the globe are united in their
call for action. 1 October 2007
European Directive on radiation exposure
will ban MRI scans
European Directive aimed at minimising exposure to radiation will prevent
the use of MRI scanners, according to Professor Dag Rune Olsen of the the
Norwegian Radiation Hospital, Oslo. 27 September
1.5 million unnecessary child deaths from
diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is still one of the most common reasons for the high child
mortality rates in many low and middle-income countries despite two decades
of global efforts to control it. One fifth of all the deaths amongst
children under the age of five that are reported every year are caused by
serious diarrhoea. 17 September
US FDA lacks resources to regulate
nanotechnology
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a report recommending
action to address the benefits and risks of nanotechnology. But according to
the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies the agency has been under-resourced
for decades and there is a lack of risk-research data on nanotechnology for
the agency to be able to carry out the recommendations. 21 August 2007
US environment agency criticised for lack
of action on health risks of nanomaterials
The US Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary Nanoscale Materials
Stewardship Program has been labelled "too little, too late" by
Environmental Defense. 14 August 2007
Rapid action in the community can prevent
deaths during pandemic
A study of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic has shown that early
intervention to isolate infected people slowed down the spread of the
disease and saved lives, according to a new study based on public records
from the time. 9 August
WHO launches US$2.15 billion plan to
contain extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop TB Partnership have called
for urgent investment worldwide to boost the ability to contain the threat
of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDRTB). They have launched
an action plan to help prevent hundreds of thousands of cases of the disease
and save up to 134 000 lives. 3 July 2007
UK businesses unprepared for severe
disruption from flu pandemic
Most companies in the UK have inadequate plans to protect their businesses
in the event of loss of staff during a flu pandemic even though most
recognise they will suffer significant financial loss, according to a recent
survey. 18 June 2007
GE Healthcare donates used medical
equipment to International Aid for use in developing countries
GE Healthcare has formed a partnership with International Aid to supply a
range of used medical equipment and training of staff. International
Aid will refurbish and distribute the products overseas and will also
provide education and product support. 14 June
Growing Alzheimer’s epidemic could cripple
healthcare
The rapidly increasing number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease
could cripple healthcare services in the next few decades. In 2006, 26.6m
people were suffering from Alzheimer’s disease worldwide and could rise to
100m by 2050. 11 June 2007
Call for mass screening in Europe to
prevent 200,000 deaths from colon cancer
Leading European scientists, physicians and politicians have called for
national action plans across Europe to screen for colon cancer and prevent
the 200,000 unnecessary deaths each year. Virtually all colon and rectal
cancers can be either prevented or cured, yet little effective action has
been taken since screening was recommended in 2003. 19 May 2007
Español
Francais
The effects of climate change on health in
the UK
The UK Department of Health and Health Protection Agency have published an
updated report on the
Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK. The Department is asking
for comments up to mid June, before final publication. 13 May 2007
Report on developing radiotherapy services
in England
The report says there is still a need to increase services to meet current
and future demand, there should be greater choice and there is a need for
more community-based services. 17 May 2007
Call for international action on biggest
epidemic in human history — diabetes
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is calling for urgent action to
counter the diabetes pandemic, which is threatening to overwhelm global
healthcare services. There are 246 million people with diabetes now and 4
million die from it every year. It is likely to bankrupt national economies.
4 May 2007 Español
Francais
Deutsch
Groundbreaking study shows hospital
investment in IT does reduce costs
A two-year long study by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Wharton School of
Business of the use of information technology in US hospitals provides the
strongest evidence that the investment does pay for itself, but it has to be
comprehensive and given enough time to work. 3 April 2007
Lack of transparency in healthcare raises
costs and prevents innovation
A new study from the US National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) has found
that the lack of real competition for patients has a profound effect on the
cost and quality of healthcare. It also found legal, regulatory and cultural
barriers barriers to competition, innovation and transparency. 28 March 2007
Sweden donates US$42m to GAVI Alliance for
child immunisation in poorest countries
The SEK 300 million (US $42 million) donation from the Swedish International
Development Agency (SIDA) reflects the country's long-term commitment to
global health and poverty eradication goals. 14 February 2007
Deutsch
Español
Francais
Healthcare products should be chosen for
quality not price, say German hospital directors
German medical technology companies and sickness funds agreed that competing
on product quality is better than a price-based economy in the BVMed's
January conference on German health reforms. 7 Feb 2007
Call for masterplan for German health
economy
A cross-party "Masterplan for the health economy" is needed in Germany, with
innovative medical technologies playing a key role, according to BVMed. 7
Feb 2007
Global public health network funded by $20
Million Gates Foundation grant
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded a five-year grant of nearly
$20 million to Emory University and Finland's National Public Health
Institute, KTL (Kansanterveyslaitos) to support the International
Association of National Public Health Institutes
(IANPHI). 18 Jan 2006
Adoption of new technology needs to be
evidence-based to reduce health care costs
Advances in medical technology are a main factor driving the trend of
increasing health care costs. Including evidence-based decision-making in
the healthcare coverage process would ensure that use of new therapy and
technology is tied to evidence of clinical benefit. 11 Jan 2006
Nanotechnology safety in workplace
neglected
Little is known about the potential risks of nanotechnology even though
there are more than 400 products on the market. A strategic plan and more
resources for risk research are needed now in order to ensure safe nano-workplaces.
9 Jan 2007
Indian in vitro diagnostics market
surpasses $250 Million in 2006
A new study from Kalorama Information, Clinical Diagnostics in India,
estimates in vitro diagnostics (IVD) revenues topped $250 million in 2006
and will show double-digit growth rates over the next three years. 4 Jan
2007
Financing sustainable healthcare in
Europe: how to get value for money
Leading healthcare, policy and finance experts have developed a range of
recommendations to improve healthcare quality and financing in Europe. 18
December 2006 Español
Francais
Deutsch
Point-of-care diagnostics market to
surpass $16bn worldwide by 2010.
The demand for reduced costs and decentralized diagnostic testing in the US
is driving the market, according to research from Kalorama Information. 18
December 2006
Medtech companies need risk intelligence
to survive and thrive
Medtech companies face demands from many quarters, including business,
government, legal and medical. To manage all these needs, companies need
risk intelligence, according to a new white paper from Deloitte & Touche LLP.
18 December 2006
Pre-hospital care in Lund, Sweden doubles
survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest. 8 Dec 2006
Francais
Deutsch
Español
Top US health industry trends of 2007
Pressure on pricing amid demand for transparency will force pharmaceutical
companies, hospitals and health plans to rethink their strategies. This is
one of the top issues identified by PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research
Institute in a new report. 8 Dec 2006
Advance Nanotech joins EC's FLUTEST avian
flu project
Advance Nanotech joins a consortium of elite government labs in Europe,
South Africa, and the USA to develop, evaluate and validate diagnostic tools
to aid in the early detection of avian influenza. 7 Dec 2006
Falls become leading cause of injury
deaths for over-65s
Fall-related death rates for men and women 65 years and older increased
significantly from 1993 to 2003 in the USA, according to a report from CDC.
In 2000, the direct medical costs for falls among older adults were
approximately $19 billion.
World Diabetes Day — 14 November
In almost every country of the world, diabetes is on the rise. The current
number of people with diabetes stands at over 230 million. The disease is a
leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputation, heart attack and
stroke. It is one of the most significant causes of death, responsible for a
similar number of deaths each year as HIV/AIDS. 14 Nov 2006
Español
Deutsch
Francais
UK to move minor operations and tests out
of hospitals into GP practices
As part of a major UK policy change designed to cut hospital stays and
reduce costs in the NHS, the UK will conduct a nationwide wave of
demonstration projects that could pave the way for the NHS to carry out
millions more operations and tests at the doctor's surgery instead of in
hospitals. 31 October 2006
FDA will be overstretched by need to
monitor medical nanotechnology
Developments in medical nanotechnology are advancing at such a rate that the
US regulatory body, the Food and Drug Administration is unlikely to be able
to cope with the requirements to monitor them, according to a new report. 12
Oct 2006
Pro-active approach to introducing medical
innovations needed — BVMed innovation forum. 15 Sept 2006
 The
ethics and politics of nanotechnology
UNESCO has published a report that assesses the ethical, legal and political
aspects of nanotechnology. It outlines what the science of nanotechnology
is, and presents some of the issues facing the international community in
the near future. 8 August 2006
Global harmonization of regulations for
medical devices
The 10th annual Global Harmonization Task Force1 (GHTF) Conference was held
last month in Germany to discuss "Design for Patient Safety in a Global
Regulatory Model". 27 July 2006
Deutsch
First electronic record products certified
for use in USA
The first round of ambulatory electronic healthcare record products (EHRs)
have been certified by the US Certification Commission for Healthcare
Information Technology (CCHIT). This removes a significant barrier to
widespread adoption of electronic health records in the USA. 25 July 2006
Disparity in efficiency of healthcare
financing in western countries
A new research paper from Siemens Financial Services, entitled Healthcare
Affordability — The Global Challenge highlights the need for efficient
use of capital in Western world healthcare systems. 13 July 2006
Media relations increasingly important to
medical device companies
An online survey of 90 companies carried out by BVMed found that the sector
needs to make better use of the media and manage their communications more
effectively. 8 June 2006
Successful medical device companies use
CRM and KM
A new strategy review from HBS Consulting concludes that poor information
and cumbersome processes can seriously hamper the sales and service
operations of medical device companies. Success is achieved by effective use
of customer relationship and knowledge management systems. 7 June 2006
Tom Cruise Ultrasound Bill should ban
keep-sake scans, says ACR
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has applauded the California
Assembly for passing the "Tom Cruise law," which would prohibit the sale of
diagnostic ultrasound equipment to anyone but appropriately licensed health
care providers. It also urges the California Senate to include the
prohibition of sale to foetal keepsake studios. 25 May 2006
Millions squandered in unnecessary medical
tests
A study of preventive health screening measures such as ECGs, X-rays and
laboratory tests has shown that unnecessary tests are costing the U.S.
health care system millions — and potentially billions— of dollars per year.
25 May 2006
Legal simplification for medical devices
in Germany and the EU
The German parliament will amend the restrictive Medical Devices Act and the
simplification strategy of the EU Commissioner aims to cut legal red tape
for medical devices. 18 May 2006
Uptake of doctors’ ideas is an important
factor for success in medical technology.
The importance of proper use of doctors’ ideas for new medical technologies
and procedures was made clear at the BVMed special conference in Munich. 18
May 2006
German law hinders use of medical devices
German medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers have demanded a
clarification of the legal conditions for the adoption of medical technical
aids into the medical technical aids register. 11 May 2006
Industry and government leaders to analyse
EU medical device regulations
Top-level European government and industry leaders will meet to dissect
European policy on health product innovation at a regulatory affairs
conference in Portugal in June. 6 May 2006
Improvements in patient-safety depend on
culture change
A new study of six innovative patient-safety programs found that building a
safety culture into healthcare organisations required both revamped clinical
practices and “social engineering" to bring about cultural change. 20 April
2006
New Georgia Tech research institute in
Ireland to focus on medical devices and RFID
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) will establish its first research
enterprise outside the USA in Athlone, Ireland to focus on research and
development needs of industry. It plans to build up a portfolio of research
programs and collaborations with industry valued in excess of $24 million.
26 March 2006
Anton J. Schmidt re-elected chairman of
BVMed board
Anton J. Schmidt, executive chairman of Ethicon GmbH, was re-elected as
BVMed chairman of the board at the German Medical Technology Association’s
annual general meeting in Berlin. He has headed the association since March
2004. 24 March 2006
EU should invest more in medical
technology to benefit economies
EU Member States should invest more in innovative medical technology and
diagnostics, as this will increase efficiency in healthcare and reduce the
burden on society of disease and disability, according to Eucomed and EDMA.
24 March 2006
First HIV/AIDS medical centre for children
opened in Swaziland
Operated by Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, in partnership with the
government, it is funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb's Secure the Future
philanthropic initiative. It is the third such centre built under the
initiative. 3 March 2006
Swedish association of medical device
suppliers changes name to Swedish Medtech. 2 March 2006
Setting targets improves NHS performance
in England but can cause problems
The star rating system for English NHS trusts seems to have improved
performance, but systems need to be put in place to minimise gaming and
ensure targets are not causing problems elsewhere, according to an article
in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). 24 February 2006
Circulatory support system gains German
approval for reimbursement
The governmental authority for healthcare charge reimbursement in Germany
(InEK) has granted the highest approval level available for Abiomed's
Impella Recover devices. 7 February 2006
German government initiatives to boost use
of IT in healthcare
Expenditure on healthcare IT in Germany represents a paltry 0.5% of total
healthcare outlays — an extremely low proportion compared to other developed
countries. However, the pursuit of a more integrated healthcare IT policy,
government initiatives and new reimbursement structures are set to boost
demand for healthcare IT in Germany. 5 February 2006
Technology adoption easier for German
hospitals
The processes for the introduction of medical technology innovations in the
German hospital flat-rate reimbursement (DRG) system have been significantly
improved and accelerated. 1 February 2006
European doctors embracing Internet
technology and mobile devices
A survey of European doctors has found over 80% use the Internet and
electronic records, and two thirds use handheld mobile devices. 30 January
2006
New website for global health data
GlobalHealthFacts.org is a new and freely accessible website with the latest
country and region-specific data on high-profile diseases such as HIV/AIDS,
tuberculosis, malaria and other key health indicators. 17 January 2006
Une nouvelle ressource accessible
sur le Net facilite l'accès aux données mondiales de santé. 17 janvier
2006
Health technology assessment in Europe
The World Health Organization has produced a policy brief on: Health
technology assessment: an introduction to objectives, role of evidence, and
structure in Europe. 15 January 2006
European e-health initiatives boost
virtual private networks
The European healthcare segment offers exciting growth potential for
information and communication technologies (ICT) service providers and
equipment vendors. Uptake will particularly impact areas such as patient
data, security, telemedicine technologies and hospital administration. 15
January 2006
Document: Medical Technology in Germany — Opportunities and Risks through
Technological Innovation Repercussions of and for the National Health
System, as well as Potential Growth Markets Abroad.
Research project on behalf of the Ministry of Economics and Labour. Berlin,
August 2005. Download
Summary (191K PDF) in English.
German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology publication page.
Rise in number of older people living
independently in UK
More older people are getting the help they need to live independently,
according to a report published by the UK Health and Social Care Information
Centre. 8 January 2006
Broadband for elderly and disabled could
generate billions for economy and cut care costs
A report by the US New Millennium Research Council shows that accelerated
broadband deployment to older Americans and people with disabilities could
deliver hundreds of billions of dollars to the economy in potential health
care savings and other major benefits. 21 December 2005
Europe needs major investment in medical
applications of nanotechnology
The European Science Foundation (ESF) has called for a clear strategy and
investment plan to ensure Europe does not miss out on the benefits of
nanomedicine. 18 December 2005
More resources needed to study dangers of
nanotechnology
A new inventory of research into the environmental, health, and safety
aspects of nanotechnology shows the need for more resources, for a coherent
risk-related research strategy, and for more collaboration. 18 December 2005
Patient-centric strategy crucial for EU
Healthcare
Health First Europe (HFE) outlined a series of recommendations to contribute
to a debate on the challenges and the future of healthcare in the EU at the
annual Open Health Forum held by the European Commission. 15 November 2005
Health systems worldwide unsustainable,
says PwC
Faced with rapidly rising costs, diminished resources and growing demands,
health systems around the world are under siege and many will be
unsustainable within 15 years unless fundamental change occurs, according to
a survey of 700 health leaders by PricewaterhouseCoopers. 15 November 2005
Medical technology has vital role in
preventing flu pandemic
A wide range of medical technology products, ranging from masks to pulse
oximeters, will play a vital role in dealing with any flu pandemic,
according to industry association AdvaMed. 11 November 2005
Strong patient support for new medical
technologies in doctor's surgery
A survey by Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive Health-Care Poll
shows that the vast majority of US adults are in favour of new technologies
in doctors' practices and many believe they will reduce the costs or improve
the quality of medical care. 3 November 2005
US may lose lead in biomedical robots
he United States' lead in research on robots for use in biology and medicine
could change in the next few years, according to a report on robotics
research and development in the United States, Japan, Korea and Western
Europe. 11 October 2005
eHealth requires harmonisation across
Europe
Insurmountable hurdles to harmonisation of healthcare in Europe are being
created as a result of incompatible electronic systems being introduced in
EU member countries. 8 October 2005
Health illiteracy costs Europe millions
Improving health literacy is the key to improving overall health and to
reducing healthcare budgets in Europe, according to a panel of experts
meeting at the European Health Forum Gastein, Austria. 8 October 2005
EC consultation on restrictions of
hazardous substances in electrical equipment
The EC is inviting interested parties to submit comments on the new
legislation controlling use of toxic substances in electrical equipment,
which is due to come into force next year. 12 September 2005
UK government hinders uptake of vital
medical technologies
Only a few months after a UK parliamentary report highlighted the need to
make better use of medical technologies to improve healthcare, the
government is scrapping the committee that assesses these technologies for
use in the National Health Service. 3 September 2005
US FDA issues White Paper on automatic
identification of medical devices
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a White Paper giving a
general overview of some of the most prevalent technologies for automatic
identification of medical devices. 31 August 2005
Public consultation for the proposed
revision to the European Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC. 15 May
2005
AHA expresses concern over satellite
interference with medical devices. April 2005
European Commission launches public
consultation on RFID data-protection issues. February 2005
Health plans attempt to rein in radiology
costs
While prescription cost increases have moderated, radiology costs grow
almost 20% a year, according to new research from HealthLeaders-InterStudy.
February 2005
US Medicaid cuts will hurt
most-vulnerable citizens
The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania said that the
proposed $60 billion in Medicaid reductions over ten years shifts the burden
of deficit reduction to the most vulnerable citizens. February 2005
American Diabetes Association
disappointed with Bush's budget cuts for chronic disease prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is slated for a 6.11%
funding cut and areas within the CDC responsible for responding to the
diabetes epidemic are slated for a 6.5% funding cut. There are currently
18.2 million Americans living with diabetes and more than 40 million with
pre-diabetes. February 2005
President Bush lauded for support of
medical liability reform
The Coalition for Affordable and Reliable Healthcare (CARH) applauded
President Bush's continued call for meaningful medical liability reform in
his State of the Union Address. February 2005
Business Roundtable applauds President
Bush's bold State of the Union agenda
Business Roundtable President John J Castellani hailed President Bush's
State of the Union address, saying it promoted innovative, pro-growth
approaches that will benefit all Americans. February 2005
New EU directive should simplify
electronic device manufacturing in Europe. January 2005
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