Here are seven articles published by Becker's Hospital Review this week highlighting Amazon's first drone delivery in the U.S., strategies to limit hidden costs associated with prepackaged supplies and notable device recalls from 2016, among other topics.
1. America's focus on technology — rather than medicine — is 'eroding our national intellect,' says pharma exec
George Yancopoulos, MD, PhD, president and chief scientific officer of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, condemned President Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts for HHS, warning that withdrawing investments for science and health research poses risks for the health of future generations.
2. Dr. Scott Gottlieb seeks to cut ties with pharma ahead of confirmation hearing
Scott Gottlieb, MD, on Tuesday filed an ethics disclosure form with HHS, highlighting measures he would take to distance himself from the drug industry if confirmed to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
3. Viewpoint: Why Americans are too focused on high drug costs
While high drug costs represent a common issue addressed by lawmakers, the media and general public, one former congressman thinks there's another issue that deserves more attention: hospital spending.
4. 6 notable device recalls in 2016
The Food and Drug Administration's website lists almost 40 major device recalls that occurred in 2016. Here are six notable recalls from last year.
5. Supply chain tip of the week: Avoid hidden costs in prepackaged supplies
"When hospitals purchase prepackaged supplies, they are not only paying for the cost of the supplies included in each pack, but also for the packaging materials and the fees associated with putting it together," says Tom Fox, a managing director at healthcare consulting firm Novia Strategies.
6. Amazon completes first US drone delivery
Amazon Prime Air delivered its first package via drone in the U.S.
7. 8 things to know about compassionate use, right-to-try laws
The Food and Drug Administration's expanded access program and state right-to-try laws seek to provide terminally ill patients with access to experimental drugs.
More articles on supply chain:
3 ways payers and providers can collaborate to lower drug costs
Supply chain tip of the week: Avoid hidden costs in prepackaged supplies
FDA approves new eczema drug with $37k price tag