Medical supplies face Y2K threat
Pleasanton CA Tri-Valley Herald 24Jan99
Former nurse sounds alarm

Laureen West, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is on a campaign to make sure that medical issues get the attention they need in light of possible Y2K problems. West is a former nurse, and now a computer systems manager. She is also a brain tumor patient who must have certain drugs every day to live, and that is what makes her concerns so poignant to those who hear her warning cries.

Sister West addressed a U.S. Senate subcommittee in October as an expert witness concerning these Y2K issues. While health concerns have already been raised about medical equipment like pacemakers or intravenous pumps that have computer chips, Sister West wants to make sure that needed medicines will also be available.

She says various glitches could affect supplies. Power outages, shipment delays of raw materials, distribution records, and even confusion at supply houses are among her worries. Sister West is encouraging patients to stockpile at least three months of drugs to get them through the period that could be most affected by Y2K. She wants the U.S. government to pass legislation allowing patients to purchase the drugs, despite guidelines certain insurance companies to limit purchases to 30 day supplies.

Some drug companies are opposing her advice. They say stock-piling could throw off supply patterns, and create shortages. Also, that people not able to afford large quantities of the drugs wouldn't be able to raise enough money to make the purchases. Sister West argues people should be warned now, so that they'll be able to plan ahead for purchasing.