The Week’s Most Interesting Healthcare Reading (that you might have missed)

With the front pages focused on foreign policy and national security of late, there have been a number of interesting health-related stories that may have skipped your attention.  Here are a few we found worth highlighting:

•      Ian Read, CEO of Pfizer, an HLC member, had an interesting discussion with the Wall Street Journal on the pharmaceutical industry’s social obligation to patients.

•      In a significant eye-opener, veteran Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) said medical liability reform should be a part of deficit reduction, and shouldn’t be applied only to Medicare cases.

•      The Healthcare Leadership Council and several other health and employer organizations have formally advocated repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), saying it would result in costs being shifted to consumers.

•      AdvaMed, the association representing medical technology innovators, announced that former President George W. Bush will attend its annual conference in September.

•      Eli Lilly has joined with other advocacy organizations and employers to launch the Campaign for Modern Medicines, a public education initiatives focused on the legislative and regulatory steps necessary to bring new medicines to patients faster.