The lead Editorial in this week’s edition of the Lancet focuses on health as a symbolic uniting force for President-elect Barack Obama’s new administration. It says: “Health system strengthening must be a top priority for the new administration if 46 million uninsured US residents are to have access to health care. Obama’s plans to offer a range of payment choices, his commitment to ensure that all children have health insurance, and the requirement that insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions are positive steps towards an inclusive health system. In addition, Medicaid and Medicare must be rebuilt, reinforced, and fully supported,” and adds: “It was encouraging to hear UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown say at last week’s international conference on the Social Determinants of Health in London that Barack Obama is committed to tackling domestic and global inequality.”

For full text, see:

“Obama and Health – Change Can Happen.”
The Lancet, November 15th, 2008. Vol. 372 No. 9651 p 1707
Click here to read Full Editorial online
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