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Health Care Now Coalition
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For Immediate Release: Thursday March 22 2001 |
For Information Contact: Vanessa Dixon. Health Care Now Coalition (202) 725-4479 |
WASHINGTON - A delegation of city leaders met today with Alice Rivlin, Chair of the DC Financial Authority to discuss urgent concerns about the Mayor's proposal to privatize the delivery of health care in the Nation's Capital.
Tne group called on the Control Authority to make the necessary investments to keep DC General Hospital open and thriving since a public hospital is the cheapest way to provide the greatest amount of care to the largest number of people DC General is the safety net institution for all who live and work in the District regardless of their ability to pay.
"We cannot afford to make DC General a sacrificial lamb. Human lives are worth more than political ventures," said the Rev. James Coleman of All Nations Baptist Church.
The delegation voiced concerns about the extensive. unanswered questions regarding the bid from Greater Southeast, the private hospital that city officials are contracting with to provide the services rendered by DC General. Many find it distressing that the city would pay a private firm double the subsidy given to DC General to provide fewer services. In addition, the Greater Southeast bid does not provide for inpatient services on the site of DC General, and Greater Southeast does not have the capacity to handle trauma cases.
"We must safeguard health care in our city, especially for those who are indigent and uninsured. The Mayor's proposal to contract with Greater Southeast Hospital does not do that," said Rev. Graylin Hagler of Plymouth Congregationial Church.
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