· 6 issues
The November 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the emergence of a 'Medical Industrial Complex' in the U.S., highlighting how healthcare has transformed into a lucrative business dominated by profit motives rather than patient care. It discusses the alarming rise in healthcare expenditures, which have surged from $27 billion to $62 billion in just nine years, while the quality of care has not improved correspondingly. The issue emphasizes the role of government subsidies in fueling this growth, particularly in the drug and hospital sectors, and calls for greater public oversight and regulation to ensure that healthcare serves the needs of the population rather than corporate profits.
The September 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the health crises in Cincinnati and Northern Appalachia, highlighting the detrimental impact of industrial interests on public health. The issue critiques the inadequacies of local health institutions, particularly the University of Cincinnati Medical College and its affiliated hospitals, which are criticized for their poor service to marginalized communities. It discusses the emergence of community health councils in neighborhoods like English Woods and Price Hill, where residents are organizing for better health services and demanding accountability from the Health Department. The bulletin also emphasizes the need for a shift in focus from institutional leaders to the industrial elite responsible for health disparities.
The September-October 1976 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the increasing commercialization of healthcare in the U.S., highlighting that approximately 34% of health expenditures are funneled through profit-making enterprises. An article titled 'Profits in Medicine' discusses the significant role of private corporations in the healthcare system, particularly in the pharmaceutical and nursing home sectors, and examines the economic dynamics that have led to this concentration of profit. Additionally, the issue includes a checklist of health issues relevant to the Ford-Carter presidential campaign, reflecting the ongoing national debate over healthcare policies.
The September 1979 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the role of Health Systems Agencies (HSAs) in the U.S. health care system, highlighting their potential for progressive change amidst concerns of cooptation by larger institutional interests. Notable articles include Samuel S. Epstein's examination of the politics surrounding cancer and a critical study of occupational health services in Hudson County, New Jersey, dubbed 'Cancer Alley.' The issue also discusses the challenges faced by nurse practitioners and the implications of corporate influence in health care, particularly through the lens of pharmaceutical companies like Hoffman-La Roche. Overall, the issue reflects a growing awareness of the intersection between health policy, activism, and corporate power.
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 September-October 1984 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the growing income polarization in the U.S. and its detrimental effects on health, particularly during the Reagan administration. Articles highlight the alarming trends of increasing inequality, with the wealthiest gaining while the poorest suffer, as evidenced by statistics from the Urban Institute. A special section on California health issues discusses the impact of Medi-Cal reforms and organizing efforts against workplace hazards related to video display terminals. The issue also critiques the FDA's handling of antibiotic use in animal feed and its implications for public health, emphasizing the tension between regulatory oversight and corporate interests.