Plans to build a new $400 million hospital in traditionally underserved southeast Washington, DC, are moving forward. Mayor Anthony Williams and the president of Howard University signed a deal yesterday which makes the project official. A new independent, not-for-profit corporation will operate the National Capital Medical Center. As part of the deal, Howard University will sell its hospital to the new entity. Critics have argued that the economically disadvantaged area, which is plagued by a high crime rate and serious uninsurance problem, will not be able to support the new hospital. Supporters counter that the deal will help relieve stress on the city's health care system.
- see this article from The Washington Post