Officials of the National Health Council (NHC) and the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) unveiled a plan they call a “Consensus Statement” on Dec. 14 to gain agreement among health service providers to reduce inequities in the nation’s health care system, to make it more affordable and accessible for U.S. citizens.
Maddie Mason, NHC senior policy associate, said on the NHC website the organization and its plan had the signatures of 58 of 63 health agency members who agreed with its provisions.
“We recognize the complexity of the inequities within our health care system, and in order to have effective solutions there will need to be action amongst the entire health care ecosystem,” Mason said.
Mason called for partnerships with organizations involved with health care, government lawmakers, business employers, insurance companies, scientists and researchers, health caregivers, patients and concerned citizens groups.
The Consensus Statement, labeled a “Call to Action,” recommends an inclusive and equitable high-quality health care system with comprehensive health insurance and care that is affordable. In addition the plan envisions greater cooperation with organizations involved with health care and collaboration with bio-medical and health-services researchers to produce more exacting demographics such as race, sex and age to eliminate disparities.
The NHC officials pledged during 2021 to broaden its efforts to get agreement for the Consensus Statement and to host a series of roundtable discussion to generate ideas for improvements.
“We are identifying ways for the NHC to promote ongoing communication and information sharing about equity issues and best practices with our full membership,” the NHC document said.
The NHC is an advocacy group with 140-member organizations intended to drive a patient-centered health policy in the U.S. and develop consensus on the best way to do it. The organization has its headquarters in Washington D.C.
The Call to Action document is visible by going to nationalhealthcouncil.org.
