Will shortages of raw materials and rising prices hurt our chances for better health care

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975 · Public Health Reports; (United States)

OSTI ID:7294697

Kline, Jr, A B

Due to shortages of energy supplies and other natural resources and rising prices, the health care sector should reevaluate current medical practices and plan for the uncertain future. A National Health Planning Council for Energy and Materials is proposed as an administrative group to design, develop, and disseminate information about modifications needed in health care procedures to cope with energy and materials shortages. Until such a council is established the following interim recommendations are made: 1) the Nation's health leaders should systematically monitor the relationship between geopolitical, geophysical, political, economic, and technological developments that affect medical services (e.g., hospital admistrators should form a closer liaison with their local utility companies); 2) construction should be designed to reduce energy consumption and material waste; 3) maintenance practices of health facilities should be improved and expanded; 4) studies should be conducted into the possibility of increasing cooperation with other hospitals in the same service area; and 5) health facilities should recycle their waste products. (20 references) (BYB)

• Research Organization: Public Health Service, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 7294697
• Journal Information: Public Health Reports; (United States), Journal Name: Public Health Reports; (United States) Vol. 90:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
AVAILABILITY
BUILDINGS
CHARGES
DRUGS
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SHORTAGES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HOSPITALS
MATERIALS
MEDICAL CENTERS
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
MEDICINE
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLANNING
PUBLIC HEALTH
RESOURCES
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
TRADE