We’re Speaking Out on Health Issues

NCHR scientists and health policy experts provide written and oral statements on a wide range of topics.

Here are many of the ways we have been Speaking Out on Health Policy Issues for the last few years. Whether the topic is legislation intended to cure diseases, proposed bans on BPA or other chemicals that disrupt your hormones, the importance of including women, people of color, and patients over 65 in clinical trials, or many other topics, you’ll gain a better understanding of our evidence-based analyses by reading these letters, statements, and testimony.

Here are the ways we have been Speaking out on Medical Treatments and Products, such as prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA is considering approving, or is considering taking off the market because of serious risks. Whether the topic is Chantix, Addyi, Yaz, Essure, or medical products you’ve never heard of, you can find out more about what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of products by looking through this section of our website.

NCHR Testimony on Expanded Indications for Medtronic Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices

October 8, 2013. We oppose the expansion of indications for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices. We urge FDA to require more testing to prove that the benefits of these devices outweigh the risks for these new indications in general and for particular demographic subgroups.

Coalition Letter to House Leaders in Opposition to Piecemeal Funding of FDA

October 4, 2013. We are writing as public health, patient, consumer, and scientific nonprofit organizations to oppose H.J. Res 77 and any other efforts to single out the Food and Drug Administration for funding. Our organizations represent millions of patients, consumers, health professionals, and scientists who strongly support the work of the FDA and urge Congress to provide the level of appropriations the agency needs throughout FY 2014.

Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition Comments on Reclassification of Cardiovascular Devices

September 17, 2013. As members of the Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition, we strongly support the FDA’s proposed order for Intra-Aortic Balloon and Control Systems (IABP) devices used to treat septic shock or pulsatile flow generation (Other Specific Intended Uses) to remain in Class III with Premarket Approval applications (PMA) required.

Letter to Commissioner Hamburg in Strong Support of FDA’s Ban on the Imports of Ranbaxy Medical Products

September 26, 2013. As members of the Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition, we strongly support the FDA’s ban on importing drugs manufactured at Ranbaxy Laboratories, Ltd.’s facility in Mohali, India.

Coalition Letter to Senator Harry Reid Supporting Affordable Care Act and Opposing Repeal of Excise Tax on Medical Devices

September 25, 2013. As members of the Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition, we strongly support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and oppose efforts to undermine this essential program that will benefit millions of Americans. In the upcoming negotiations over the budget and debt ceiling, we urge you to reject the repeal of the 2.3% excise tax on medical devices.