ALSO NOTED: FDA approves BiDil; VA $1B short on budget; and much more...

> A surprising survey of hospitals in Japan underscores the cultural differences between attitudes regarding end-of-life issues in Asia and the US. Story

> The Food and Drug Administration approved the controversial BiDil, the first race-based medicine to be marketed in the US. Story

> The Department of Veteran's Affairs reported to Congress that it needs a $1 billion more to cover its budget, ostensibly because of rising healthcare costs. Story

> Some Wall Street analysts are raising their ratings of big wholesalers McKesson, AmerisourceBergen and Cardinal Health. Story

> After much political wiggling, the New York state assembly passed a bill requiring hospitals to report infections. Story

And Finally... Research suggests that doctors should rethink the way patients are treated during the first month after they suffer a heart attack. Story