US health care system frustrating: Seema Verma
Washington: America’s health care system is frustrating and is becoming more and more expensive, putting paid to people’s hopes of getting the medical services they need, Indian-American Seema Verma, who has been nominated by US President Donald Trump for a key health position, has said.
Seema told members of the Senate Finance Committee during her confirmation hearing yesterday that was “deeply concerned” by the all-round frustration in the US’ health care system.
“I am deeply concerned about our health care system. There is frustration all around,” said Seema, who has been nominated for the position of Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
If confirmed by the Senate, Seema in this position is likely to be a key figure in the Trump Administration to the President’s plan of repealing and repealing Affordable Care Act popularly known as Obamacare.
Appearing before the powerful Senate Finance Committee for her confirmation hearing, she said was “extremely humbled” to be nominated by the US President.
“It is a testament to the fact that the American Dream is very much alive for those willing to work for it. My parents made a lot of sacrifices along the way to provide me with opportunities they didn’t have,” she said.
Seema said it was her passion to continue to work on the front lines of health care, changing and improving this country’s healthcare delivery system.
“Doctors are increasingly frustrated by a number of costly and time-consuming burdens, and quite frankly, many Americans are not getting the care that they need. We have a long way to go in improving health outcomes,” she told lawmakers.
“Health care continues to grow more and more expensive, and the American people are tired of partisan politics. They just want their health care system fixed,” she said in her testimony, adding she understands what is at stake.
“I have never stood on the sidelines of our nation’s health care debate, merely pointing out what is wrong with our health care system. I have spent my entire life helping the most disadvantaged in our society receive the kind of accessible, affordable and competent health care service that our country’s health care system is renowned for,” She said.
Seema shared her own personal experience to the Senators.
“I know this, not simply because I have worked in health care, but because of how intimately it has affected my personal life. Two people I truly love have been immensely affected by enormous health care challenges,” she said.
“My own mother is a breast cancer survivor due to early diagnosis and treatment, and I thank God that she is with me today,” she said, adding that a few years back, her neighbour was diagnosed with a stage 4 Neuroblastoma.
“I want to be part of the solution making the system work for all Americans. I want to be able to look my children in the eye and tell them I did my part to serve my country and make things better for people who often do not have a voice,” she said.
