Latest KFF Health News Stories
World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy highlighted concerns about the global food situation on Friday during a roundtable discussion on the sidelines of the International Organisation of La Francophonie summit, Agence France-Presse reports.
PhRMA Representatives Meet With Officials In India To Discuss Compulsory Licensing
During a visit with government officials, industry leaders and NGOs in India last week, representatives from Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), a U.S. lobbying group that represents the country’s pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology companies, addressed “the Indian government’s proposal to allow local drugmakers to make low-cost version of patented drugs so that they can be made available to patients,” the Economic Times reports. “Issuing compulsory licensing is not a long-term solution and will be counterproductive,” PhRMA Executive VP Christopher Singer said.
At a U.N. Foundation board meeting in Ghana to discuss Millennium Development Goal progress, which concluded on Saturday, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan “called on the citizenry to demand the attainment of these set goals from their political leaders,” the Accra Mail reports. “It is only through this that we can put pressure on the politician to work towards achieving these goals,” he said, according to the newpaper.
Health Politics: Obama Challenges GOP; Insurers Backing Republicans; Democrat Manchin Opposes Law
News outlets report on the role of health care in this year’s elections, including insurance companies funding of GOP candidates.
Health Law Implementation Hitting Snags
Despite pledges to leave employer-based health plans intact, some firms are considering ending or reducing coverage for their workers, according to benefits consultants.
In India, Major Reduction Seen In Polio Since 2009, WHO Says On World Polio Day
There has been a significant reduction in the number of polio cases diagnosed in India this year compared with the same time last year, the WHO said on World Polio Day Sunday, IANS/Sify News reports.
New York Times Profiles USAID Administrator Shah
The New York Times profiles USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah and examines the challenges that come with leading the development agency at this point in time. “A staunch supporter of Mr. Obama’s candidacy, he said he viewed his election as a Kennedy moment
Confusion Over Reform May Fuel Health Fraud
People running health care scams may find new opportunities in the consumers’ confusion over health overhaul law.
Online Health Records Gain (A Little) Popularity
A crop of new websites are sprouting up to help patients store medical information and monitor their health.
Future Geriatric Care Should Focus On Systems, Not Technology, Say Nurses
Nurses anticipate a stronger role in coordinating integrated care for the country’s aging population.
Tips For Unemployed Buying Health Insurance
The Wall Street Journal deliniates some of the options available to unemployed people who are in the market for health insurance.
Mergers Between Hospitals And Insurers Expected To Increase
News outlets report on the health care marketplace, including mergers between insurers and hospitals.
States address a range of health policy issues.
Medicare Plan Choices Attract Attention As Open Enrollment Approaches
Meanwhile, the American Osteopathic Association warns Congress that making more short-term fixes to the Medicare payment system is harmful.
Michigan Hospitals Focus On ERs For Seniors; Ga. Voters Consider Funding New Trauma Centers
Healthcare workers seek to improve emergency rooms for seniors in Michigan and voters in Georgia consider fees to improve the state’s trauma centers.
Today’s Op-Eds: Confusion, Compromises On Health Reform Law
A selection of today’s opinions and editorials from across the U.S.
Doctors, Nurses And Urgent Care Centers Address Increasing Demand
News outlets report on workforce issues including doctor shortages, advanced-degree nurses, the increase in urgent care centers and the creation of physician-hospital organizations.
First Edition: October 25, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest on health overhaul policies and politics as the mid-term election grows closer.
Candidates Debating Health Law As Election Nears
Health reform – and the new law – continues to divide Democrats and Republicans on the campaign trail.
State Officials Adopt Standards For Insurers’ Expenses
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners approved guidelines for which insurance company expenses can be counted as medical costs under the new health law. The recommendations now go to HHS.
