Bowen Hits Criticism of AIDS Efforts : Denounces Attacks as ‘Counterproductive and Mean-Spirited’

Health and Human Services Secretary Otis R. Bowen opened the presidential AIDS commission’s first meeting today by defending federal efforts to stem the epidemic and calling criticism “counterproductive and mean-spirited.”

Bowen said that the government has been in the fight against acquired immune deficiency syndrome since it was first recognized in 1981 and that “we intend to remain in it until the final moment of triumph.”

“The constant criticism that this government is not doing enough is unfair and unwarranted,” he said, after recounting for the 13-member panel the broad research and education programs mounted by federal agencies.

“To criticize this effort is counterproductive and mean-spirited and tends to tarnish what is a solid effort of accomplishment in modern medical science and health policy.”

Already Under Attack

The commission, appointed by President Reagan on July 22, has already come under attack from some groups predicting that deliberations will end in deadlock on controversial issues or that the panel will produce a report that is “patently wrong.” A preliminary report is due to Reagan in 90 days.

The opening session of the commission’s meeting was devoted to hearing from heads of government AIDS programs and from groups representing those who have the deadly disease or who care for people affected by it.

“We see more evidence every day that this disease is becoming the particular scourge of people who are young, black and Hispanic,” said Surgeon General C. Everett Koop.

He said he prays that AIDS will not reverse two decades of progress for social justice for minorities in the United States.

“But hopes and prayers may not be enough,” Koop told the commission. “We will need courageous leadership at all levels of government and throughout the social and political institutions of America to reinforce those hopes and prayers.”

He also criticized doctors, dentists and other health professionals who refuse to treat people with AIDS or those suspected of having AIDS. He said “such conduct threatens the very fabric of health care in this country.”

Dr. W. Eugene Mayberry, chairman of the commission and chief executive officer of the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minn., said the panel’s three primary goals are to recommend ways in which the public can be protected from the virus that knocks out the body’s defenses against disease, suggest approaches toward finding a cure and recommend the best way to care for those “afflicted with this dreadful problem.”

“I think this is obviously a formidable task,” he said.