AAMC tells concern on Bush’s budget plan for FY 2002
President Bush’s FY 2002 budget proposal to provide a record $2.8 billion increase for the National Institute of Health was praised by the Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). But the AAMC said it is "troubled" that the administration’s budget assumes only a $2.1 billion overall increase in discretionary health spending. Yet, the $2.8 billion increase in NIH, plus other proposed increases suggests the administration will ask for significant decreases in many other important health programs.
Jordan J. Cohen, AAMC president, said "we are very concerned that the needs of those HHS health profession programs designed to increase the geographic distribution of health care providers and to help prepare the work force for the 21st century may be at risk. The health professions education programs are vital to the nation’s health and well-being."