Letters to the Editor - Oct. 5, 2009

Long-term price of administration's reform plan is unacceptable

I agree that significant improvement in the delivery of health care to American citizens is needed, but I do not agree with much of the plan proposed by the current administration.

I am not happy with the AMA for lending its support for a plan that many American physicians do not support.

In the first place, we cannot financially afford this plan, and it is fiscally irresponsible to pursue a program that will demand such a burden to our heirs, as well as ourselves.

Such a burden, and its effect on our economy, will have severe unintended consequences, which will impair the lives and well-being of future generations.

--Rod M. Duraski, MD, LaGrange, Ga.

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Stores have plenty of vaccine, but this practice is on the waiting list

Politicians promise no lack of influenza vaccine, but they didn't check before making this pronouncement. Again this year, my clinic ordered 1,500 doses of seasonal flu vaccine. We received 300 doses with possible additional doses arriving before April 2010. Once more we have to ration vaccine. The department stores and chain pharmacies have apparent unlimited supplies. My elderly patients may have to make a 150 mile round-trip to the closest big-box pharmacy to get what should be available locally.

--George R. Voigtlander, MD, Pawnee City, Neb.

The print version of this content appeared in the Oct 12, 2009 issue of American Medical News.

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