National State of Emergency for Swine Flu

Even Pres. Obama Knows the Government Interferes with Efficient Health Care

by Pat Bertroche, D.O.

As Swine Flu, or to be PC, H1N1 influenza, sweeps across our nation, the media is filled with all kinds of contradictory information. There are vaccine shortages, but they are not critical now. Or there’s a problem with the vaccine, but it’s safe. And, of course, the inevitable slew of experts giving their expert opinion that disagrees with the other experts. However, there is one sparkling point of clarity: the US government, and even Pres. Obama, knows that government interference leads to less health care efficiency, more costs for health care, and hampers everyone trying to do their best to protect our citizens from disease and illness.

Here’s my proof. Pres. Obama declared a National State of Emergency, and because he declared a National State of Emergency, “Doctors and hospitals are relieved of the usual governmental regulations and this will help more efficiently treat patients with H1N1.” (ABC news 10-24-09 morning)

Here’s more proof from CNN. The lifting of regulations "gives the federal government more power to help states…by lifting bureaucratic requirements -- both in treating patients and moving equipment”. Later in the article, another great analysis about why you don’t want government in your medicine. “Obama's action allows Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius "to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements" to help health care facilities enact emergency plans to deal with the pandemic.” Here’s the link to check it out yourself. http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/24/h1n1.obama/index.html

And what does the Washington Post say about it? They quote Jennifer Nuzzo of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Biosecurity as saying “…we can focus on the care of patients rather than focus on administrative hurdles. In disasters, you often don't have the time or luxury to keep the paperwork in order. You want hospitals focusing on patients."

What about when there isn’t an emergency? It’s ok then to clog up the Health Care machine with government paperwork and bureaucracy?

I wonder what CBS has to say about it? “President Obama has declared the virus a national emergency, cutting bureaucratic red tape. “ Imagine that! The government cutting red tape, and it actually helps! That’s not what the Loony Left and Pres. Obama say. Here’s what else CBS said. “With the H1N1 flu virus spreading farther and faster than expected, the emergency declaration from the White House means health care providers can respond to the crisis faster and bypass some federal regulations. This is a proactive move to basically get rid of the red tape so that hospitals don't have to fight with regulators if the H1N1 epidemic gets bad later on," said Dr. Martin Makary of Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

Hmmm. Pres. Obama declares a National State of Emergency, which reduces government interference, so doctors and hospitals can more effectively treat a serious illness. Well, how ‘bout that? Turns out that the government is as bad for health care efficiency and effective patient treatment as it is for mail delivery. So can anyone explain to me why we are still having any further discussion about government run health care?