KWES NewsWest 9 / Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, TX: newswest9.com | Democrats Worry About the Fate of Health Care Reform

Democrats Worry About the Fate of Health Care Reform

by Diane Tuazon
NewsWest 9

ODESSA - It's been two days since Mass. Senator Scott Brown took the seat of the late Ted Kennedy. Now many Democrats worry about the fate of their long awaited health care reform.

"It'll be a negative impact, if we can't get a medical healthcare reform passed. I know too many people here that have lost their jobs and their medical insurance and they're out on a limb. We have to take care of our people. Look what we're doing for Haiti, why cant we do that for our people?" Ector County Democratic Chair, Bobbie Duncan, said.

Many doctors here in the Permian Basin feel that an effective health care reform plan is vital for the sake of everyone.

"Any decision that's made in D.C. effects everyone. I see this everyday in Midland/Odessa in the ER. There are ambulances lined up, ER is jam-packed. It's a manifestation of what healthcare is going through. People are losing jobs and insurance," Dr. Sudip Bose, said.

Many people believe that the government alone isn't responsible for effective healthcare. 

"We all rely on a magic fix by the government, but with that said individuals also need to take responsibility of their own health. Government is helping, and I hope employers are helping, but individuals need to do their part as well," Dr. Bose said.

With Republican Senator Scott Brown in the U.S. Senate, Duncan is hopeful the country will find a middle ground when it comes to drafting an equal health care bill.

"I hope we find a health care bill that will benefit people it needs to benefit. I don't care about CEOs. They'll have a different attitude if they had to find their own healthcare. Their eyes will be opened to what the rest of the world is going through," Duncan said.