Leaders Keeping Health Reform Moving Forward

Like the President, we at AstraZeneca believe all sides in the debate must come together to advance solutions that build on the strengths of the U.S. health-care system and address its weaknesses. Because our most important contribution to the health system is the medicines we make, we will continue to advocate for the protection of America's lead in the search for new medical cures and treatments.

Medical advances made over the past several decades have revolutionized how we battle disease -- and have saved millions of lives. Policies that encourage scientists to continue pushing the boundaries of current medical research will both improve people's health and protect the more than 3.2 million jobs tied to the life science industry. If there are insufficient incentives for innovation, R&D investment could shift away from the U.S. to other regions of the world, just as it shifted away from Europe in the 1990s.

We applaud efforts to change the course of health care in America toward increased prevention and disease management. Too often we get to the patient after the damage from disease has already been done. If we can help patients avoid expensive hospitalizations and trips to the emergency room, it can not only improve people's health but also lead to significant savings to the U.S. health-care system in the long run.

As President Obama acknowledged in his speech, the pharmaceutical industry recognizes that successful health reform will require a shared sacrifice, and we have stepped up to do our part. Together, we can secure a healthier future for our families and communities.

By David Brennan  |  September 11, 2009; 12:24 PM ET  | Category:  Health Care Reform
Share This: Technorati | Del.icio.us | Digg | Facebook
Previous: In Health Reform Recipe, the Missing Ingredient Is the Consumer | Next: Disappointing in Tone and Content