Extracted text

OCR Page 1 of 15
DRAFT 4/21/49 ARCHIVES **NATIONAL REQGROS AMD 4-22-49 E SERVICE* TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: In a special message to the Congress on November 19, 1945, and in a number of messages since that date, I have recom- mended the enactment of comprehensive legislation to improve the health of our people. The issues involved in these recommendations have been debated all over the country -- in Congressional hearings, in medical societies, and in public forums. Out of all this discussion has come a large measure of agreement. There has been increasing recognition of the need for positive, planned action to bring adequate health services within the reach of all our people. With respect to most of my recommendations there is no longer any substantial differ- ence of opinion. Legislation has already been enacted which is helping sub- stantially to provide better health services and medical care. For example, Federal funds are now being made available to help in building badly needed hospitals. The Federal Government's pro- grams of medical research have been expanded. Additional grants