Protesters clashed with healthcare conference attendees in San Francisco’s Union Square on Monday, calling for a public takeover of the industry and demanding an end to profiteering off patients’ backs. The 43rd annual JP Morgan healthcare conference drew criticism from activists who see it as a platform for wealthy interests to profit at the expense of those in need.
Protesters held up signs calling for “people over profits” and criticizing companies that prioritize profits over patient care. They pointed to the case of Luigi Mangione, who is awaiting trial for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. While some protesters condemned Mangione’s actions, others saw his assassination as a catalyst for raising awareness about the industry’s flaws.
“We’re in the richest country in the world and yet we don’t have universal healthcare,” said protest organizer Steve Zeltzer. “It’s like we’re spending trillions on wars abroad but can’t afford to care for our own citizens.”
The protests came as First Lady Jill Biden was set to deliver a keynote address at the conference on Tuesday, sparking concerns that it would be overshadowed by the protests.
JP Morgan declined to comment on the protest, but activists say they plan to continue their demands for systemic change. The controversy highlights the growing divide between those who prioritize profit and those who advocate for people’s rights.
Source: https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/protesters-rally-during-san-francisco-healthcare-conference