Pfizer Controls the Healthcare Debate

by Diane Farsetta — January 11, 2006 - 6:40pm
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Bringing "together politicians and academics on different ends of the political spectrum to participate in forums on health policy," with the goal of reforming "the nation's healthcare system" sounds like a good idea. But the organizer is the drug company Pfizer, through its public affairs agency, Spectrum Science Communications. The "Ceasefire on Healthcare" town meetings are funded by Pfizer and American University, and have featured Senator Hillary Clinton and former Congressman Newt Gingrich. "The thrust of the campaign ... is to make incremental changes," said Spectrum Science's Claire Barnard. C-Span is covering the town meetings, which started in June 2005 and have been held at the Brookings Institution, Heritage Foundation and National Press Club.

Main Source: 
PR Week (sub req'd), January 11, 2006

Comments

Hilary and Newt

Submitted by Uncle Hippie on January 13, 2006 - 12:14pm.

The Republican "contract with America" was broken in 2000 by the Supremes 5-4. And Hilary joins up with Newt to feed from the pockets of Pfizer. Can you trust either party? And the Heritage Foundation? William L. Shirer would have another book proposal.
Uncle Hippie
"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."--Orwell

Health Care--National Hlth Insrnce and Canada

Submitted by hathawas on January 19, 2006 - 1:30pm.

I recently heard a related news story--at least I think I did--on NPR: Canadians coming to the U.S. for medical care because of long, long waits for even diagnostic procedures. The story included an interview with a U.S. businessman who operates a tour company/travel company for Canadians; the company even opened an office next to a major hospital in Canada because the demand for such trips was so high--according to the story. It seemed like a PR piece for those who want to keep private insurance/avoid govt. provided, universal health care in the U.S. I wanted to check it out--

BUT I haven't been able to find the story on any NPR websites or by Googling for it.

Did I dream this story?

Please let me know if you heard it. If you heard it and remember what show/when, that'd be great.

You can contact me by way of : hathawas@aaps.k12.mi.us