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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Hickey
Phone: 703-243-9262

Arlington, VA (November 19, 2004) – Time is running out for senior health care purchasing executives and supply chain professionals to get special early bird rates for the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association’s (HIGPA) 2005 National Pharmacy Forum, scheduled for February 14-16 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Amelia Island, Florida.

“HIGPA’s National Pharmacy Forum offers unparalleled opportunities to hear experts provide observations on the impact of federal health care policy and how it will affect the day-to-day operations of pharmaceutical related businesses for the coming year. I encourage all those involved in pharmaceutical purchasing to attend this critical education event.” said HIGPA President and CEO Robert Betz, Ph.D.

The emphasis of the 2005 Forum is on new federal health care policies impacting the health care system and pharmaceutical supply chain. The specific topics to be discussed include an update on federal health care policy, the impact of integrated health systems on pharmaceutical purchasing, an overview of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), and the industry’s efforts in regards to drug shortages and patient safety on importation. Among the outstanding speakers lined-up for the 2005 Forum includes: Michael McCaughan, editor-in-chief of The Pink Sheet, who will speak on current federal policy and Jimmy Mitchell of the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration’s Director of Office of Pharmacy Affairs to discuss the 340B ‘Prime Vendor’ program. Also contributing to the dialogue are academics from North Carolina State University College of Management and Boston University’s School of Management.

HIGPA is also pleased to announce Bronze Sponsors for the 2005 National Pharmacy Forum, including: Novation, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Merck. For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact HIGPA’s Director of Education and Program Management, Russell Werlinich, at 703-243-9262 or rwerlinich@higpa.org.

Visit HIGPA’s web site at www.higpa.org for program and registration information.

HIGPA is a chartered trade association of over 160 health care purchasing and supply chain organizations. HIGPA's Industry Members include purchasing groups, integrated delivery networks, associations, and health care provider alliances. HIGPA's Trading Partner members include many of the world's leading health care product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and related suppliers. According to a recent study conducted by a former principal analyst at the Congressional Budget Office, hospitals save patients over $30 billion each year by purchasing products through group contracts.

To learn more about HIGPA or the health care purchasing industry, visit www.higpa.org or call 703-243-9262.

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