Indy Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C.— On June 6, 2023, Congressman André Carson joined Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN), Congressman Larry Buschon (R-IN), and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA) to introduce the Bipartisan Diagnostics Testing Preparedness Plan Act.

This bill will require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a diagnostics plan to be used during public health emergencies. Diagnostics were crucial to the COVID-19 response, but the pandemic revealed gaps in diagnostic tests available in the United States – including supply chain issues and reliance on foreign countries for materials, public-private coordination, and overall capacity to develop accurate, externally validated tests. The plan will facilitate the rapid development, authorization, scaling, procurement, and distribution of diagnostics and clinical and diagnostic laboratory testing capacity during a public health emergency as well as a variety of other public health threats.

The Bipartisan Diagnostics Testing Preparedness Plan Act is endorsed by Johns Hopkins University, the Commission for Biodefense, and Roche Diagnostics. Roche Diagnostics is headquartered in Congressman Carson’s district in Indianapolis and leads the industry in developing diagnostic products for cancer, cardiac health, infectious diseases, women’s health, and diabetes management, while also employing over 10,000 employees across the country.

“COVID-19 emphasized the need to improve and invest in our diagnostic response nationwide, but diagnostics play a role in every aspect of public health,” said Congressman Carson. “Whether it’s a bad flu season or the outbreak of new infectious disease, my bill will ensure my district and cities across the country are better coordinated and better prepared than ever to tackle the world’s most serious health problems. I’m honored to work with Roche Diagnostics in my home district and with my Hoosier colleagues across the aisle on this important bill.”

“Diagnostics are essential for successful disease outbreak containment and response,” said Congressman Pence. “It is important the HHS have a blueprint for communicating and collaborating with the private and public sectors to ensure diagnostics are readily available. In order to avoid issues during future Public Health Emergencies, the HHS needs to be prepared with a plan for diagnostic testing in advance.”

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the critical role that diagnostic tests played in the public health response. However, one of the lessons learned from the pandemic is that we need to have a comprehensive plan in place that allows private sector innovators and the federal government to work together so that we can rapidly develop and distribute the diagnostic tools needed. Today, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation that will ensure that the United States puts in place such a plan, ensuring that our nation is better prepared to quickly and effectively respond in a future public health emergency – which ultimately will save lives,” said Dr. Bucshon. 

“One lesson from the pandemic is that public-private partnerships sparked innovation and helped our supply chain fill in gaps when we needed it most,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Having a plan in place that we can put into action will ensure we are not caught unprepared during a Public Health Emergency again, and will allow a much quicker, nimbler response next time. I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan legislation with Representative Carson.”

“We commend Representatives André Carson, Greg Pence, Larry Bucshon, and Kim Schrier for recognizing the critical role diagnostic testing plays in public health emergencies. Their bipartisan legislation will help to enhance our country’s preparedness by ensuring the development of a diagnostic testing preparedness plan that focuses on public-private coordination,” said Brad Moore, President and CEO of Roche Diagnostics Corporation North America.

Original source can be found here.