Generic drugs cut costs
April 28, 2011Dear Sir,As an American healthcare professional who has seen many Bermudian patients in practice, I have been keenly following the proposed reform of Bermuda's healthcare system. In my view this major reform is long overdue and I commend the Bermuda Health Council, under the leadership of Dr Jennifer Attride-Stirling and the current Minister Zane Desilva for moving forward on this critical initiative. In an era when ageing populations are seriously taxing the healthcare systems of Bermuda and many other Western countries, how these countries get a handle on costs, while ensuring that patient care and services are not compromised, will determine the future sustainability of these societies.There is however one consideration that needs to be seriously addressed — the cost of prescription drugs. I have not heard any mention in the Bermudian debate on the need to introduce a more widespread adoption of generic drugs into the pharmaceutical marketplace. If this is an oversight, I strongly believe that it seriously needs to be corrected. The adoption of generic drugs by healthcare professionals and consumers in the United States has resulted in a significant reduction in the cost of prescription drugs over the last decade and would — if not for that adoption — have made the spiralling costs of healthcare in the US, even more severe.DR PAULA BALLOUOrlando, Florida
April 27, 2011
Dear Sir,
Is a charity not accountable to the community that supports it? I was shocked to discover that the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre no longer has a radiologist on staff to report mammograms, ultrasounds and bone density exams. The position is now redundant and all exams are being sent abroad to be reported, I am now a number in a database. As a woman I fail to understand how my interests are being served by this decision. When I have a mammogram or an ultrasound I would like to know that there is a doctor available to answer my questions or discuss my problem with my GP. In these difficult economic times I also find it inconceivable that one of Bermuda's oldest charities elects to put Bermudians out of work and pay an overseas radiologist to report their examinations.
The reason I supported this charity in the past is because there was specialised care available locally in an intimate environment. Now I have become faceless and nameless. By outsourcing services that I have donated to through participation and fundraising efforts, and by using the services of the centre, this specialised element has been taken away. I am now simply an entity in a database and I choose not to be. I have a choice, I believe the Centre's decision not to be in my best interest and therefore have decided to take my donation and my business elsewhere. I wish the Centre all the best.
AN OUTRAGED BERMUDIAN
St George's
