Abstract
So far we have tasted but a flavor of technology’s offerings. Much else not yet mentioned remains bubbling in scientific minds and research laboratories. What of, say, the novel, sophisticated, artificial bodyparts available for full-scale transplantation? As each month shoots by, methods of improving the productivity of in vitro fertilization are enhanced. One scientist in Canada has developed a powerful magnifying camera. This instrument photographs coughed-up saliva and can identify “transformed” or potentially malignant cells sloughed off the lining of the lung. Once these early warning signals flagging the presence of cancer are picked up in time, it is a medically relatively simple matter of hitting the lung with a laser. Put to widespread use, such a painless diagnostic test could provide the means to curb the still vast numbers of lung cancer-induced deaths—just as the smear test has slashed death rates from cervical cancer, previously the greatest cause of mortality in women.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Notes
One scientist in Canada… “Peek-a-Boo,” The Economist (8 May, 1993), 114.
In January 1993, Andersen… “Sick Men of Europe,” The Economist (19 June 1993 ), 45.
The 1993 survey… “Sick Men of Europe.”
In the words of The Economist… “Requiescat,” The Economist (24 September 1994), 51.
During the 1980s, drug prices… Reporter’s Handbook for the Prescription Drug Industry (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Washington, DC, 1995), Sect. 6.
When, in early 1987, the British drug firm Wellcome… Edward A. Wyatt, “Rushing to Judgment,” Barron’s (15 August 1994), 23–27.
Fortune succinctly summarized… Shawn Tully, “Why Drug Prices Will Go Lower,” Fortune (3 May 1993), 56.
In a speech given on… Richard Sykes, Glaxo Wellcome, London speech at The Economist Conference on Pharmaceuticals (21 November 1994).
The ball was set… “Taking the Tablets,” The Economist (31 July 1993), 68.
In January 1995, for instance, Glaxo’s… “Waging Sykological Warfare,” The Economist (28 January 1995), 73–74.
The word from the firm… “A Survey of Pharmaceuticals,” Financial Times (25 April 1995), 33–37.
According to Jan Leschley… Jan Leschley, as cited in “A Survey of Pharmaceuticals.”
Now it stands as one of… “Smooth Operator,” The Economist (8 October 1994), 91–92.
Rick Scott’s goal… Rick Scott, as cited in “Smooth Operator.”
At the end of 1994, Zeneca… Zeneca, London, as cited in “The Making of NHS Ltd.,” The Economist (21 January 1995), 27–28.
Steve Plag, now of… Steve Plag, as cited in “A Survey of Pharmaceuticals.”
Shortly after his release… “Patient, Heal Thyself,” The Economist (4 February 1995), 19–21.
According to Regina Hertzlinger… Regina Hertzlinger, “Healthy Competition,” The Atlantic (August 1991), 69–81.
By far, the biggest advocacy… Alexandra Wyke, “Ever Slimmer Health Care,” in The World in 1996 ( London: The Economist Publications, 1995 ), 114–115.
In 1993, The Pill Book… “Medicinal Madness,” The Economist (27 March 1993), 101.
Oregon, the bellwether of… Wyke, “Ever Slimmer Health Care.”
In October 1995, Merck… Michael Conlan, “Switch Glitch,” Drug Topics (20 November 1995), Vol. 139, No. 22, 78; and Harry Schwartz, “Cost Containment vs Self-Interest,” Scrip Magazine (December 1995), 10–11; and Merck, press release (25 October 1995 ).
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1997 Alexandra Wyke
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Wyke, A. (1997). Healthcare on the Brink. In: 21st-Century Miracle Medicine. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3466-6_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3466-6_9
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-306-45565-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-3466-6
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive