24 May 2021 (Monday) - Sickle Cell update

The nice people at the American Society of Hematology sent me an update on the latest developments in sickle cell disease. On Friday I said about a leukaemia update “Rather clinical, a little over my head in places… but valuable background reading”. This one really speaks volumes about the difference in healthcare on both sides of the Atlantic…

Sickle Cell Trait Cited in Police Custody Deaths A review of autopsy and police reports found that sickle cell trait was cited as a cause or factor in 47 deaths that occurred in law enforcement custody since the 1970s.

AMA Vows to Fight Racism in Medicine The American Medical Association has acknowledged its prejudiced past and released a strategic plan to fight racism and white supremacy in the U.S. health care system.

Moderate Democrats Push for Bipartisan Drug Pricing Reform A group of 10 House Democrats, including Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA) and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), questioned the feasibility of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s drug pricing bill, H.R. 3, which would allow Medicare to negotiate pricing and fine pharmaceutical companies that don’t comply.