This system costs billions to maintain and is far from perfect. On top of that, there are many reasons to look closer at how the innovations in medicine today might be used to keep us healthier and avoid needing to go to doctors in the first place. The idea with this company, it seems, is to tie some of this together, to rethink how it works, and to see if there is a way forward by starting from scratch.
“We said at the outset that the degree of difficulty is high and success is going to require an expert’s knowledge, a beginner’s mind, and a long-term orientation,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon, in a statement. “Atul embodies all three, and we’re starting strong as we move forward in this challenging and worthwhile endeavor.”
“As employers and as leaders, addressing healthcare is one of the most important things we can do for our employees and their families, as well as for the communities where we all work and live. Together, we have the talent and resources to make things better, and it is our responsibility to do so. We’re so grateful for the countless statements of support and offers to help and participate, and we’re so fortunate to have attracted such an extraordinary leader and innovator as Atul,” added Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, in his statement.
“Talent and dedication were manifest among the many professionals we interviewed. All felt that better care can be delivered and that rising costs can be checked. Jamie, Jeff and I are confident that we have found in Atul the leader who will get this important job done,” said Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO, Warren Buffett.
We’ll update this post as we learn more.