As a Physician, I Know What America Needs to Make America Healthy Again
As a physician deeply committed to improving the health of our nation, I have seen firsthand the challenges that plague our healthcare system. Unfortunately, we are worse off now than we were then. The new presidential administration has an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that prioritize patient care, personal responsibility, and the strength of American innovation.
Here are five essential steps the administration should take to make America healthy again:
1. Promote Free Market Principles in Healthcare
The strength of America lies in its free market, and this principle should continue to extend to healthcare. By reducing onerous regulations and fostering competition, we can lower costs and improve care. Further, price transparency is key to improving the quality of our private healthcare system.
2. Combat the Chronic Disease Epidemic
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are responsible for the majority of healthcare spending and preventable deaths in America. The administration must prioritize preventive care by incentivizing healthier choices. Tax deductions for gym memberships, nutrition counseling, and wellness programs could encourage lifestyle changes.
3. Empower States to Innovate
Healthcare must reflect the diversity of our nation. States should have the freedom to design healthcare systems that meet their unique needs. States have existing relationships with hospitals, primary care doctors, insurers, and nonprofit organizations, which can be leveraged to improve population health.
4. Restore the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Overregulation and bureaucracy have eroded the doctor-patient relationship, turning personalized care into an assembly line. The administration has to reduce onerous reporting requirements from Medicare and private insurers, giving physicians more time to spend with their patients.
5. Ensure a Secure Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of our pharmaceutical supply chain. Over-reliance on foreign manufacturing has left us vulnerable to shortages of critical medications. The administration should incentivize domestic production of essential medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to safeguard public health.
Restoring America’s health requires bold action, a commitment to free-market principles, and a focus on empowering individuals. By implementing these five strategies, the new administration can create a healthcare system that is affordable, effective, and patient-centered. It is time to prioritize health over bureaucracy and empower Americans to take charge of their well-being.
