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.