"A sick planet, in short, means a sick public" Josue De Luna Navarro.  Our healthcare system is being tested by the coronavirus and is having a negative impact on the underinsured here in the United States. It appears, however, that PHARMA and the hospital industry are reaping the benefits. 

Because of the high cost of prescription drugs, many Americans are forced into declaring bankruptcy so they can get out of debt.  No one should ever have to choose between paying their bills or taking necessary medication. Profits over people should not be acceptable in this country.

Beth Mole from ARS Technica reports on the price gauging hikes by Big Pharma, which are well above the actual rate of inflation.

ProPublica conducted a study based on the following question: Were the drug company payments linked to doctors’ drug choices?  According to deputy managing editor Charles Ornstein, the results are in and the answer is yes!

Social Security Works is collecting signatures, asking Democratic presidential candidates to reject taking money from Big Pharma and Big Insurance companies. HCACF supports their efforts.

Dr. Sanjeev K. Sriram takes the position that healthcare is a basic right and that Medicare-for-All is a way to ensure that all Americans will be covered, even though the AMA is siding with the insurance industry.  Profit before patients is not what most doctors or patients support. Common Dreams, April 12, 2019 

As head of Montana’s Employee Benefit Plan, Marilyn Bartlett negotiated uniform hospital and pharmaceutical rates, saving system from bankruptcy. What Bartlett achieved in Montana over a two-year period can be accomplished with relative ease nationally under a Medicare-for-All national health insurance model.   By Marsha Allen, NPR October 2, 2018.  Photo by Mike Albans for NPR.

If only the shareholders from drug companies are getting the benefit of tax savings and not the general public, then how do families pay for their medications?  What are your thoughts? Please add your comments below.

Watch Big Pharma: Market Failure on Denver Open Media