PNHP

PNHP Mission Statement

Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) advocates for universal, comprehensive single-payer national health insurance.

PNHP believes that access to high-quality health care is a right of all people and should be provided equitably as a public service rather than bought and sold as a commodity.

The mission of PNHP is therefore to educate physicians, other health workers, and the general public on the need for a comprehensive, high-quality, publicly-funded health care program, equitably accessible to all residents of the United States.

Equitable accessibility requires, in the view of PNHP, removal of the barriers to adequate health care currently faced by the uninsured, the poor, minority populations and immigrants, both documented and undocumented.

PNHP views this campaign as part of the campaign for social justice in the United States. PNHP opposes for-profit control, and especially corporate control, of the health system and favors democratic control, public administration, and single-payer financing.

PNHP believes this program should be financed by truly progressive taxation. PNHP actively opposes current changes in the health care system that are designed to maximize the profits of investors and the incomes of high-level executives rather than to serve patients.

PNHP’s goal is the restoration of what it views as the primary mission of physicians, acting as professional advocates for our patients.

PNHP is an independent, non-partisan, voluntary organization. PNHP’s work is supported by our members’ dues and contributions, and by grants from progressive foundations; it accepts no funding from pharmaceutical companies or other for-profit entities. PNHP organizes physicians, medical students, other health workers, and the public in support of this program and promotes discussion of health policy in the U.S. through conferences, lectures, articles, and other methods.

PNHP Board of Directors Statements

Statement on reproductive rights: “Physicians for a National Health Program supports full coverage of women’s health care services in the single payer plan that we advocate. This should include coverage for counseling regarding all family planning options, and free access to contraception, abortion and preventive cancer services for all residents of the United States.” (approved Jan. 18, 2017)

Statement on diversity: “Physicians for a National Health Program recognizes diversity as a crucial asset in the fight for single payer reform. A more diverse membership would foster innovation and bring new insights to improve PNHP’s outreach, messaging and strategy. Hence, we are committed to increasing diversity in PNHP’s membership, Board of Directors and student chapters.” (approved Jan. 18, 2017)