Nov 29, 2006 — Despite the fierce opposition to some of the state health commission's recommendations, nobody contests that changes are needed to the state's health care system. Many of New York's hospitals are in bankruptcy, and a majority of the nursing homes operate at a loss. Dr. John Rugge, of the Hudson Headwaters system of community-based clinics, has been appointed to serve on a panel advising Gov.-elect Eliot Spitzer's transition team. He's one of three physicians serving on Spitzer's 26-person health care advisory committee.
Martha Foley talked with him about the commission's recommendations. He welcomed the revolutionary scope of the report, but he said it'll take many years to "fix" health care in the state.