Claim Review: Hospitals Subjected Patients to Deadly Protocols for Financial Gain

The claim that hospitals willingly subjected patients to deadly protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic to generate financial incentives from the government has been circulating widely. This claim is based on testimonials from nurses and the analysis of author Ken McCarthy, who investigated the treatment protocols implemented during the height of the pandemic.

McCarthy's book, 'What the Nurses Saw,' alleges that hospitals followed dangerous protocols from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which were financially incentivized. One of the key issues highlighted is the use of the drug remdesivir, which was halted in Africa due to organ failure. Other factors contributing to high mortality rates included the denial of anti-inflammatory medications, the use of BiPAP masks, and the excessive use of ventilators.

However, the claim that hospitals were solely motivated by financial incentives is not supported by comprehensive evidence. A study analyzed more than 4,200 hospitals and found that over half did not experience financial distress due to COVID-19, even without government relief funds. Moreover, average operating margins increased from 2.8% before the pandemic to 6.5% from 2020 to 2021, indicating that many hospitals were financially stable or even profitable during this period.

It is important to note that the complexity of treating a novel virus like COVID-19 led to varied and sometimes ineffective treatment protocols. The use of remdesivir, for example, was based on initial studies suggesting its potential efficacy, but subsequent research has shown mixed results. The denial of anti-inflammatory medications and the use of ventilators were also part of evolving treatment guidelines that were not universally effective.

Furthermore, the claim that hospitals were financially incentivized to keep patients on ventilators for extended periods is not substantiated by reliable scientific sources. The use of ventilators was based on medical necessity and the severity of the patient's condition, rather than financial incentives.

In conclusion, while there may have been instances of suboptimal treatment protocols and financial incentives, the claim that hospitals willingly subjected patients to deadly protocols for financial gain is largely unfounded. The treatment of COVID-19 patients was complex and evolved over time, reflecting the challenges of managing a novel virus.