MSSNY Urges Biden Administration to Declare Public Health Emergency

For Immediate Release 
August 1, 2022 

MSSNY Urges Biden Administration to Declare a Public Health Emergency

Statement Attributable to:
Parag Mehta, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York 

“The Medical Society of the State of New York agrees with the action taken by Governor Kathy Hochul in declaring a State Disaster Emergency and for NYS Department of Health Commissioner Mary Bassett for declaring an Immediate Threat to Public Health in response to rapid spread of Monkeypox across New York.

“MSSNY thanks both for their efforts to improve testing, secure more vaccine for New Yorkers, and reduce restrictions on treatment for people infected with Monkeypox. While these declarations allow us to mobilize more resources, we believe more needs to be done to control this outbreak.

“MSSNY is calling on President Biden and Secretary Becerra to declare Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency. This would increase our access to more vaccines and further reduce the barriers to treatment. Tecovirimat shows great promise in the treatment in Monkeypox infection, and the Emergency Investigatory New Drug (EIND) restrictions have limited the ability to treat patients with this medication. A Public Health Emergency designation would allow the FDA to evaluate this treatment for Emergency Use Authorization, like what was used to distribute COVID-19 vaccines when they became first available. This would greatly reduce barriers to treatment.

“Monkeypox is disproportionately impacting the LGBTQ+ community, and a Public Health Emergency is needed at this point to prevent further health disparities in this vulnerable community. MSSNY is committed to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.  We need swift action to meet the needs of our patients across New York and all over the United States.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 

Media Contact:
Roseann Raia | Manager, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x302 | [email protected]