Comprehensive Health Reform: A Must Pass...( WASHINGTON Feb. 25 -- Pharmaceutical...)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) President and CEO Billy Tauzin today released the following statement regarding President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress last night:

"PhRMA applauds President Obama for making clear that comprehensive healthcare reform is a top priority for his administration. We must not miss this extraordinary opportunity in our history to build on the strengths of our healthcare system and address its weaknesses.

"A comprehensive approach to reforming our healthcare system will not only provide coverage to millions of Americans who still lack high-quality, affordable health insurance, but also will help strengthen our struggling economy. Healthcare reform is not a luxury; it is essential to economic recovery and imperative to making Americans healthier and more productive.

"PhRMA firmly supports President Obama's commitment to seek a 'cure for cancer in our time.' We share this goal and to that end, America's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies are working on a record 750 medicines to fight this deadly disease that touches so many Americans. In order to accomplish the President's lofty goal, the development of innovative new medicines is critically important.

"The President's call for a new focus on disease prevention will transform our current sick-care system into a 21st century healthcare system. It is time for our healthcare system to do a better job of stopping disease before it starts. Too many times we get to patients after they've been diagnosed or worse, we intervene after the disease has already done most of its damage. This is why it is so important that we focus reform efforts on disease prevention and management, both of which can improve the quality of care in the U.S. and also help lower healthcare costs.

"Today, millions of American
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