For the heroes of September 11, weeks of concern and confusion. Last February, Dr. John Howard, administrator of a health program dedicated to interested parties that developed diseases after the attacks of the World Trade Center, had been fired as 20% of his staff due to a federal order.
A turning point in the health program, which had the consequence of interrupting the treatments of several people involved on September 11, including firefighters. His status was no longer the issue of a certification to receive these treatments. Certification that only Dr. John Howard could assign.
“We have postponed the chemotherapy of a firefighter this week (…) is too young to benefit from Medicare (the Federal Health Insurance program for the elderly, note of the editor), and this delay could cost her life,” said Dr. David Prezant, fire chief of New York and director of the World Trade Center.
Another person who risked his life during the attacks, could not begin his chemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. Two other speakers were also denied cancer treatment, lists the doctor.
“Indefensible”
After weeks of concern, Dr. John Howard was finally restored in the program, allowing the resumption of treatments and certifications.
“All questions about Dr. Howard’s powers as administrator have been resolved, as Dr. Howard himself,” said Representative Andrew Garbarino, a New York elected representative involved in the Congress program in a statement transmitted by ABC News.
“Now, the inscriptions and certifications that had remained unanswered must be treated immediately. Let’s be clear: everything that endangers the attention provided to the interested parties and the survivors of September 11 is indefensible,” he adds.
Certification restoration means that the World Trade Center health program can now examine and approve requests for survivors who have developed new pathologies linked to terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Certifications allow patients to receive compensation for this care.
Source: BFM TV
