All articles tagged with #health services
The article provides information about health services related to vaccinations and immunizations, along with links to various health forms, resources, and contact options for the New Mexico Department of Health, emphasizing accessibility and public health support.
CVS Health reported fourth-quarter revenue and adjusted earnings that beat expectations, but lowered its full-year profit outlook due to higher medical costs impacting the insurance industry. The company's adjusted earnings forecast for 2024 was reduced to at least $8.30 per share, down from a previous guidance of at least $8.50 per share. CVS attributed the change to elevated medical cost trends and saw strength in its health services business, despite a decrease in profit compared to the prior year.
Health services in Gaza are struggling to cope with tens of thousands of casualties of the continuing Israeli offensive, leading to a catastrophic and deteriorating situation as medical staff are exhausted and facilities lack essential supplies. Tens of thousands with chronic illnesses have gone without treatment for months, leaving their bodies weakened by malnutrition, cold, and fatigue. The situation is dire, with hospitals damaged, medication in short supply, and disease spreading rapidly in unsanitary conditions. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with civilians, especially children, suffering from a lack of medical care and essential supplies.
The United Nations has warned that countries criminalizing gay sex are hindering the fight against HIV/AIDS. Sixty-seven countries, nearly half of which are in Africa, have laws that criminalize same-sex relations. In these countries, HIV prevalence rates among gay men are about five times higher compared to countries where such relations are not criminalized. The executive director of UNAids emphasized that when LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized communities are stigmatized and criminalized, their access to lifesaving health services is obstructed, undermining the HIV response. The UN called for stronger leadership in countering anti-rights narratives and investing in HIV prevention methods.
Cases of chickenpox have been reported among children in the migrant community living in Denver, with some families being quarantined when their children develop the virus. The city is following health protocols to prevent the spread of the illness among the vulnerable population. Migrant families are facing obstacles in accessing healthcare and employment, and are concerned about the upcoming cold weather. Denver Health is working with the city to provide health services and immunizations to the migrants, but further details on expanded services were not provided.
Amazon is offering a discounted One Medical membership of $99 per year to its Prime subscribers, integrating the boutique primary care clinic further into its healthcare offerings. This move signifies Amazon's ambition to expand into mainstream healthcare. While One Medical has limited physical clinics in major cities, the company has been steadily growing its telehealth business. Amazon also operates Amazon Clinic, a telehealth service that focuses on common conditions but does not accept health insurance. Privacy concerns have been raised about Amazon Clinic, but Amazon claims to take customer privacy seriously. This move suggests that Amazon is ready to expand its healthcare services to its more than 100 million Prime members.
Women, children, and newborns in Gaza are disproportionately affected by the ongoing conflict, both as casualties and in terms of reduced access to health services. As of November 3rd, 67% of all casualties in Gaza are women and children, with 420 children being killed or injured every day. The conflict has severely disrupted maternal, newborn, and child health services, leaving pregnant women unable to access emergency obstetric care. The lack of access to adequate care is expected to increase maternal deaths, while the psychological toll of the hostilities has led to stress-induced miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature births. Malnutrition and inadequate access to food and water are also increasing risks for mothers and their families. The lives of newborns are at risk if hospitals run out of fuel, threatening the functioning of incubators and other medical equipment. Over half of Gaza's population is sheltering in dire conditions, leading to hunger, malnutrition, and the spread of waterborne diseases. Humanitarian agencies urgently need sustained and safe access to bring essential supplies into Gaza, and an immediate humanitarian pause is necessary to prevent the situation from becoming catastrophic.
CVS reported third-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded expectations, driven by strong performance in its health services business. The company's sales reached $89.76 billion, up 11% from the same period last year, with net income of $2.27 billion. CVS lowered its full-year unadjusted earnings forecast but maintained its adjusted earnings guidance. The results come amid a nationwide walkout by pharmacy staff protesting working conditions. CVS has been focusing on transforming into a healthcare company and recently made significant acquisitions in the healthcare sector. The health services segment, including specialty pharmacy services, contributed to the revenue growth, while the pharmacy and consumer wellness division also saw an increase in sales. Same-store sales grew in the pharmacy division but declined in the front of the store due to reduced purchases of over-the-counter Covid tests. CVS's health insurance segment also performed well, with increased revenue and a higher medical benefit ratio.
If the government shuts down next month, the consequences will extend beyond closed parks and idle panda cams. The impact will be felt across various sectors, including health services, food access, education, energy, infrastructure, taxes, finance, and housing. Furloughed workers will face financial losses, while states will have to dip into their own funds to make up for lost federal money. The Department of Health and Human Services expects to furlough 42% of its workforce, potentially affecting Medicaid and the implementation of Medicare drug pricing negotiations. The FDA's safety work and proactive inspections could be jeopardized, and programs like Head Start and free and reduced lunch programs at schools would pause. The energy and climate agenda, including the IRA and offshore drilling proposals, could be disrupted. FAA employees would be furloughed, impacting air traffic control training and aviation rulemaking. Wall Street regulators would see their work come to a standstill, and most HUD staff would be sent home. The duration of the shutdown will determine the extent of the damage.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank have released the 2023 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Global Monitoring Report, revealing that over half of the world's population still lacks essential health services, and 2 billion people face severe financial hardship when paying for healthcare. Progress towards UHC has stagnated since 2015, with little improvement in service coverage for noncommunicable diseases and reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services. Catastrophic out-of-pocket health spending continues to rise, pushing millions into poverty. To achieve UHC by 2030, substantial investment and action by governments and development partners are needed, including a shift towards primary healthcare, advancing equity in access and financial protection, and investing in health information systems.
CVS is laying off approximately 5,000 employees in non-customer facing positions, primarily affecting its corporate staff, as part of a cost-cutting effort to adapt to new consumer health needs and reduce expenses. The pharmacy chain assures that there will be no impact on customer-facing colleagues in stores, pharmacies, clinics, or customer service centers. CVS has been focusing on health services and recently closed 900 stores in response to changing consumer buying patterns. The layoffs come ahead of CVS' quarterly earnings report.