WHO's on First with We the People

"The World Health Organization/WHO...in an article in1. What would you do to achieve needed systemic
[the medical journal] "Lancet", the agency unveils itsreforms in the health care system that would cover
two-year long effort to forge a set of universal rulesall Americans, manage costs and improve quality?
for disclosing the data from clinical trials...With its newAs a retired nurse married to an Internist/Geriatrician
manifesto, the WHO ...outlines 20 data requirementsProfessor I understand that the amount of money
that must be disclosed for all trials...PHRMA, thespent on health care does not translate into better
American drug industry's lobbying arm, argues thatcare. Studies show that the USA is number one in
disclosing details...would deter innovation...and thecosts, but not in positive outcomes. Because of fear
lobbyists mutter, it would be the end of the industry."of law suits many expensive high tech interventions
The Economist/May 20th-26th 2006, page 83.are done routinely and without restraint. When new
Highly unlikely with the congress we have now. Forprocedures become commonplace, the costs of
to pass the WHO's rules, would put patient safetythese older techniques do not decrease. Reform is
before profit motive and that is NOT how thisnecessary.
Congress works.The U.S. Public Health Service Task force has
We the people are the patients and we the peopledetermined the most beneficial screening procedures
need to know where our congressionaland immunization schedules. A health care plan that
representatives stand on this and many other healthwould cover all citizens should follow these
care issues.established and well recognized guidelines.
Health care is NOT a commodity. The facts on the2. What measures are you supporting to assure
ground are that the richest country in the world hasaffordable health insurance coverage for all
46 million uninsured and many millions more that areAmericans?
underinsured. This is gross injustice where the richAs of 2004, there were nearly 46 million people who
get tax cuts and the poor go without basic healthhad no health coverage and millions more who were
care in the land we claim is of the free and theunderinsured and incurring significant out-of-pocket
proud.expenses. Almost six million people lost their
Uninsured and insured alike all watch TV and arecoverage between 2000 and 2004.
bombarded with drug ads enticing them withHealth care for all citizens is essential and must be a
promises of energy, sexual potency or just the abilitypriority for congress. However, I also stress the need
to go fishing without the ache of baby boomerfor preventive medicine, personal responsibility and
osteoarthritis.life style choices. Rather than look to government to
One-of many- reasons health care costs are so highmeet all needs, the community of retired medical
in the USA, is because of the costs of unnecessaryprofessionals is an untapped resource.
pharmaceutical ads targeted to consumers and notRetired people who remain active and involved live
patients. Every physician is well aware of the old andfuller and healthier happier lives. Retired professionals
the new drugs as soon as they become available.could offer pricelss public service by offering
Throughout America, a good salary can be had byeducational seminars in schools, places of worship and
persistent drug Rep's who visit medical offices withcommunity centers to educate and encourage the full
free samples, literature and free lunch for all.engagement of every individual to be pro-active
The cost of those salaries, the give a-ways, and allregarding their own and their families' health.
the TV and print media advertising pushes up the3. What measures are you supporting to control
cost of every pill dispensed and every drop ofrapidly rising health care costs and health insurance
intravenous fluid.premiums?
Pharmaceutical companies enjoy patent protection,Employer health insurance premiums increased 73
so the claim that strict guidelines and full disclosure onpercent between 2000 and 2005. During the same
drug trial outcomes will cut into their profits is notperiod, inflation rose only 15 percent and the
just bogus: it has proven deadly.employee share of employer's health insurance
Case in point: Vioxx, the painkiller that Merck withheldpremiums rose 143 percent. A hybrid system using
the data suggesting a higher risk of heart problemsthe existing insurance companies to be intermediaries
for some users was NOT disclosed. Thus, Vioxx waswould be my choice. The federal government is too
allowed on the market but would not have been ifinefficient and the abuses in the Medicare/Medicaid
the WHO's twenty requirements and full disclosureprograms prove that government should not be
had been the law of the land in America.trusted in imposing managed care. The state of
But corporate interests won out and we the peopleMassachusetts has enacted a law that requires health
should ask our congressional reps "WHY not WHOinsurance thru a combination of government
instead?"incentives, employer subsidy, etc. This program
Looking to big brother to protect us will NOT happenshould be carefully watched by all, for the answer
if we remain uniformed and uninvolved.may be right in front of us.
Politicians must be held accountable and patriots haveAnother reason for high costs is the high cost of
always asked the hard questions and did NOT givemedical malpractice insurance. Malpractice cases must
up on the pursuit of justice.be capped; there must be more arbitration and less
We the people must also take personal responsibilitycompensation to attorneys.
for our own bodies and be pro-active and get offOur strength is in solidarity: we the people can speak
the couch. It is only a simple matter of choice towith one voice about healing our ailing health care
choose to do the right thing: don't smoke, eatsystem; we can become one fierce force of energy
nutritional dense food, play/exercises daily and getwhen we stand in solidarity for people rights and
adequate rest.NOT for corporate profits.
We all know the drill, all we need is the will."Be the change you want to see in the world"-Gandhi
We the people should also be asking ourBegin by questioning your your congressional
congressional representatives what they intend to dorepresentatives and candidates for office about
about the ailing health care system in the USA, Ihealth care. If you don't like their answers rise up and
offer three and my response as a candidate forrun yourself. I am.
House of Representatives District 5 in Florida.