· 5 issues
The January-February 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the ongoing challenges in healthcare policy, particularly focusing on the implications of the new Medicare reimbursement system based on Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs). The issue features a critical examination of the drug policies in Bangladesh, emphasizing the influence of multinational pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer on local healthcare decisions. Notable articles discuss the financial misconduct of healthcare institutions, as reported by the General Accounting Office, revealing systemic fraud in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. The issue also includes a letter from Erica Gollub addressing the complexities of drug pricing and availability in Bangladesh, underscoring the tension between corporate interests and public health needs.
The July-August 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the First National Conference on Black Women's Health Issues, emphasizing the urgent health disparities faced by black women, particularly in areas like infant mortality and access to care. The conference, organized by the Black Women's Health Network and attended by over 1500 participants, aimed to educate and empower black women regarding their health rights and needs. Additionally, the issue discusses the implications of the proposed sale of McLean Hospital to the Hospital Corporation of America, raising concerns about the impact of for-profit healthcare on quality and access for underserved populations in New York. The Bulletin also features commentary on the rising costs of hospital capital expenditures in New York, warning of a potential funding crisis due to unchecked hospital expansion.
The October-November 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the political implications of biotechnology, highlighting the intersection of health policy and technological advancements. Notable articles discuss the impact of the Ethiopian drought on health care in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Eritrea, where local health workers are addressing malnutrition and sanitation amidst ongoing conflict. The issue also touches on the challenges faced by U.S. workers, particularly women, in balancing employment and childcare, emphasizing the need for comprehensive state support. Additionally, there is commentary on the economic disparities in health insurance options, particularly regarding Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
This special double issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on health care in revolutionary contexts, particularly in Nicaragua, Grenada, and El Salvador. It features a poignant letter from a physician working in Nicaragua, detailing the dire conditions in hospitals, including shortages of essential medical supplies and the impact of U.S. military actions on health care. The issue emphasizes the achievements of health care systems in these countries despite external pressures and advocates for solidarity and action from American citizens to support these revolutionary efforts. The editor's letter calls for awareness and action against U.S. interventions that threaten health care advancements in these nations.
The November-December 1984 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin addresses critical issues in healthcare, particularly focusing on outpatient dumping in Chicago and the implications of Medicare policies on low-income patients. A notable article discusses the challenges faced by a rural physician who opts out of Medicare assignment due to inadequate reimbursement rates, highlighting the broader issue of class disparities in healthcare access. The issue also critiques the Reagan Administration's healthcare policies, emphasizing the need for grassroots organizing to advocate for healthcare as a human right. The publication calls for action against the increasing corporatization of healthcare and the negative impact on vulnerable populations.