Principles Launched at Senate Finance Committee Hearing on Healthcare Reform Today

Alexandria, Va. (Vocus/PRWEB) May 7, 2008 -- Renewing its commitment to promote the ways in which pharmacies can improve lives, while making healthcare more efficient and affordable, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) launched its Principles of Healthcare Reform. 

The Principles were released officially today as a statement for the record by NACDS President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, at a Senate Finance Committee hearing titled, “Seizing the New Opportunity for Health Reform.”

“The Principles highlight pharmacy’s ability to help improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of patient care,” Anderson said.

Following the momentum of the launch of the NACDS advertising campaign in February, today’s release of the Principles continues to emphasize the role of pharmacies as the “Face of Neighborhood Healthcare.”

“Healthcare is at the forefront of the nation’s policy debate and a new President, new Administration, new Congress, new governors, and new state legislators are set to take office in 2009,” said Anderson. “The Principles of Healthcare Reform are the next step in NACDS’ proactive approach to injecting pharmacy into its rightful place in the healthcare debate.”

“Utilizing these Principles, NACDS will continue to speak out when public policy threatens pharmacy,” said Anderson. “Whether its working to prevent dramatic Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement cuts that could force between 10,000 and 12,000 pharmacies out of business, or a call for proactive action to improve healthcare through technology such as electronic prescribing, NACDS will continue to work with Congress to ensure the value of pharmacy is contemplated in any effort to achieve the opportunities for healthcare reform at this unique time.”    

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores represents the nation’s leading retail chain pharmacies and suppliers, helping them better meet the changing needs of their patients and customers. Chain pharmacies operate more than 39,000 pharmacies, employ 114,000 pharmacists, fill more than 2.4 billion prescriptions yearly, and have annual sales of over $700 billion. Other members include 1,010 suppliers of products and services to the chain drug industry. NACDS international membership includes 101 members from 29 countries. For more information about NACDS, visit www.NACDS.org

Contact:
Chrissy Kopple
(703) 837-4266