· 3 issues
The May 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the significant federal health cutbacks initiated by President Nixon, highlighting the broader economic crisis impacting domestic social programs. The editorial critiques the failures of Great Society health initiatives and argues for a more fundamental restructuring of the health system rather than merely opposing budget cuts. It emphasizes the need for health activists to build a strong constituency for comprehensive change, rather than settling for a defensive stance against cutbacks. The issue also discusses the implications of Nixon's policies on health care inflation and the dependency of health institutions on public funding, calling for accountability and control over health spending.
The March-April 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the issue of hospital over-bedding in Oklahoma City, highlighting the detrimental effects on patients and taxpayers. The article 'Oklahoma Crude' discusses how the city has an excess of hospital beds, leading to inflated costs and inadequate care for the medically indigent. Another key article critiques Nixon's proposed national health insurance bill, revealing that its fine print undermines its apparent benefits. The issue emphasizes the intersection of healthcare policy, local politics, and the financial interests of hospital administrators and banks.
The September-October 1976 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the increasing commercialization of healthcare in the U.S., highlighting that approximately 34% of health expenditures are funneled through profit-making enterprises. An article titled 'Profits in Medicine' discusses the significant role of private corporations in the healthcare system, particularly in the pharmaceutical and nursing home sectors, and examines the economic dynamics that have led to this concentration of profit. Additionally, the issue includes a checklist of health issues relevant to the Ford-Carter presidential campaign, reflecting the ongoing national debate over healthcare policies.