Government Shutdown Doesn't Stop Mesothelioma Cancer Care at NIH

Mesothelioma cancer patients being treated at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) already enrolled in a clinical trial are not being affected  by the partial federal government shutdown that began earlier this week. Although 75 percent of the staff – an estimated 14,000 employees – has been put on temporary leave because of the shutdown, more than 1,400 ongoing clinical trials, covering a myriad of diseases, are continuing, according to National Institutes of Health spokesman John Burklow. "Our patient care will continue," assured another NIH employee. Although the shutdown won't affect those already receiving treatment at the NIH, it will delay the start of new studies and treatment protocols, and temporarily suspend new research, according to the National Cancer Institute Advocacy Relations Department. Much of the NIH staff is part of the furlough. Burklow estimated that 200 people each week normally would be admitted to new trials at the NIH, but their enrollment now will be delayed until the shutdown ends. He also told CNN that six new clinical trials were scheduled to begin this week, but now must wait. It was unclear if any were related to mesothelioma. Affordable Care Act Prompted the Shutdown The shutdown, caused by the inability of Congress to agree on government funding legislation, began Tuesday and has sparked intense debate over the consequences. At the heart of the funding battle is the controversial Affordable Care Act – known as Obamacare -- that wa...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Mesothelioma Source Type: news