Panel questions prices on government-backed drugs

Article Abstract:

A House Small Business Committee subcommittee is investigating the pricing of pharmaceuticals developed by firms using government research money. The subcommittee is using Bristol-Myers Squibb Inc's anti-cancer drug Taxol as a case study. The drug was developed in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) using $32 million in federal research funds. Bristol-Myers is marketing the drug at $986 for three weeks of treatment, or six to eight times the price that the NCI paid for experimental amounts. The firm has refused to give the subcommittee detailed information about the drug's development costs, saying that the information is proprietary.

Pharmaceutical preparations, Pharmaceutical industry, Prices and rates, United States. Congress. House. Committee on Small Business

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Veterans groups urge expanded eligibility for VA care

Article Abstract:

Frank C Buxton, of the American Legion, proposed simplification for veterans hospital rules for treating veterans. Veterans with service-connected disabilities should be entitled to care, even for unrelated conditions. Veterans who do not have service-related conditions, but who have insurance, would receive treatment paid for by the insurers. Veterans without insurance would receive treatment free or be charged on a sliding scale according to their ability to pay. Other veterans' organizations support this proposal.

Administration of veterans' affairs, Care and treatment, Laws, regulations and rules, Veterans, United States. Congress. House, Hospitals, Veterans', Veterans hospitals

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Federal government criticized on lack of funding for TB

Article Abstract:

Rep Ted Weiss blamed federal policymakers for allowing TB to reach epidemic proportions by reducing funding for TB control. In an Apr 1992 House human resources subcommittee meeting, experts testified that TB caseloads increased from 22,200 new cases in 1985 to 25,700 in 1990. Weiss charged that top officials made budget decisions affecting TB control and public health without considering scientific information about TB that had been assembled for them.

Political aspects, Tuberculosis, Medical policy, Health policy, Weiss, Ted, United States. Congress. House. Subcommittee on Human Resources

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