Health Care & Prescription Drugs

What's New

The Georgia Senate passed Senate Resolution 853 to create the Hospital Health Care Standards Commission during the 2006 legislative session. The purpose of the Commission was to produce a report regarding safety standards and rates and causes of hospital infections in Georgia. Unfortunately, the resolution stalled in the House and was not passed before the session ended.

Overview

In a country with a world-renowned medical reputation, we expect drug companies to rigorously test and truthfully market their drugs. We expect that Americans have the means to treat illnesses, and hospitals will put our health and safety over all other concerns.

But prescription drug prices are soaring, the Vioxx tragedy demonstrates that drugs are not always safe, and infections at hospitals kill too many patients. Health insurance plans too often fail to provide the coverage or treatments we need.

Too often, it is powerful special interests that are keeping our country from fulfilling our expectations of health and safety. Georgia PIRG works to counter their influence and protect the health of Georgians.

The price of prescription drugs is too high. The problem is worst for the 46 million uninsured Americans, who must either pay full price or go without needed medications. U.S. PIRG is working to make prescription drugs affordable for all.