My letter to President Obama regarding Health Care Reform

To,

President Barack Obama

Sub: - A Pharmacist willing to be a part of the Healthcare Reform task force.

Dear Mr. President

I am a licensed Pharmacist in the states of California (License # 57694) and Kansas (License # 1-13586). Since the past 6 years I have been serving the community by working as a community retail pharmacist.

I am writing this letter because as a Health care Professional I passionately want to make an important contribution to your administration’s Health care Overhaul Plan by working diligently towards driving down the cost of health care in United States. At this moment the reform plan is in its embryonic phase, but here is how I wish to contribute to this revolutionary program.

Best Practice Standards and Metrics

If given a chance I would like to be actively involved in the commission (made up of health care professionals) that sets “best practice standards” and thereby contribute to creating some game changers in this broken health care system. After the implementation begins, I wish to render my knowledge and expertise in evaluating the effectiveness of the plan and developing various metrics and yardsticks that could gauge the success of the plan.

Creating an Incentive for Primary Care and Prevention

During all Health care Reform Discussions making primary care accessible and affordable is at the forefront. When it comes to prevention and primary care everyone always talk about Doctors and Nurses and Physician Assistants. But one of the most readily accessible and knowledgeable groups of health care professionals – “Pharmacist” is left out of the discussion. In fact if properly utilized, trained and “given an incentive”, Pharmacists can play a key role in providing primary care and prevention. This could greatly reduce the number of people going to ER for treating relatively benign medical conditions like upper respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, & ear infections.

Creating a Uniquely American Healthcare System

The reason why the term “medical tourism” is now in the lexicon is because countries like India are able to provide good quality health care at an economical price. I have prior experience working in the Pharmaceutical and Health care Industry in India since my family ties go back to India. This enables me to compare the health care system in both countries and suggest some sweeping changes that could help drive down the cost of health care significantly. This could bring the best of both worlds and create a “Uniquely American” health care system, which other countries of the world would want to emulate and be envious of.

I also wish use my knowledge and experience as a Pharmacist by working with the IT professionals in order to make the Health Record Digitization process as seamless as possible.

Please give me a chance to serve the country and make a difference

I currently do have a financially rewarding career as a Pharmacist with CVS pharmacy in San Diego California. However if your administration gives me a chance I am willing to leave the beautiful San Diego weather and move to Washington, DC in order to make a difference . We are at a very critical juncture in this health care journey and I strongly do believe that something needs to be done “now” and that whatever is done will make us emerge as a stronger, better and a more resilient country.

Very truly yours

Neelraj Patel