Public Health Committee plans to address multiple issues, including reproductive healthcare and hospital ownership [Video]

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – The legislature’s Public Health Committee held its first meeting this year, and three Connecticut hospitals are a top priority.

The owner of Waterbury, Rockville General and Manchester hospitals, Prospect Medical Holdings, has filed for bankruptcy.

The fate of these hospitals is uncertain and there are lots of concerns about allowing private equity companies to buy hospitals.

Prospect filed for bankruptcy earlier this month and are accused of bleeding the hospitals dry as well as taking hundreds of millions in payouts.

“We know private equities are focused on money. And we as a state should make a decision we do not want private equity to be involved in healthcare,” said Senator Saud Anwar, who is also the chairman of the Public Health Committee.

Private equities are for-profit investments firms. Lawmakers on the Public Health Committee are considering a bill that would restrict private equities from buying hospitals.

…