MLK Jr: “Injustice in Health Care is the Most Shocking and Inhumane”
As we prepare to commemorate Dr King on Monday—Martin Luther King Jr Day—I’m reminded of the significance of Dr King’s words today. We continue to face threats to our health care system, including challenging patient access to care issues—particularly in underserved areas of our state.
Our profession is truly one of service to others. In honor of Dr King, let’s continue to fight for our patients—particularly the underserved.
State of the State Address. This week, after listening to the Governor’s State of the State Address I released the following statement to the press:
“We applaud Governor Hochul for her State of the State goals to address gaps in patient access to needed healthcare. Important steps announced by the Governor include updating outdated health insurer network adequacy standards, stronger enforcement of our mental health coverage parity laws, and expanded investment in loan repayment programs that will help offset the staggering medical student loan debt faced by many younger physicians.
“At the same time, we continue to have concerns with the adverse impact to patient care through removing important physician collaboration and/or supervision over care delivery by non-physicians. Not only is physician oversight essential for care quality, but it is also what patients want. A recent national survey reported that 95% of patients believe it is important that a physician be involved with their diagnosis and treatment decisions.
“We look forward to further discussions with the Governor and Legislature on the litany of steps that can be taken to help ensure our patients have access to the quality healthcare they need and deserve.”
Read MSSNY’s Governmental Affairs Staff Overview of the Governor’s State of the State address.
Paul A. Pipia, MDPresidentMedical Society of the State of New York
