What We’re Reading: Robotic Lung Transplant; Health Care in Utah Prisons; Potential SNAP Benefits Reduction

4-Armed Robot Successfully Performs Lung Transplant Surgery

A new lung transplant procedure was performed in Barcelona, Spain, using a 4-armed robot named "Da Vinci,” according to Reuters. This procedure involves a new access route that eliminates the need for separating the ribs and opening the chest. The robot made a small incision in the patient's lower sternum to remove the damaged lung and insert a new one, resulting in less pain and easier wound closure compared with traditional methods. The procedure, which has previously only been used for lung cancer treatment, is expected to improve patients' quality of life and reduce postsurgery pain.

Evidence of Noncompliance Seen in Utah’s Prison Health Care System

A scorching legislative audit of Utah's prison system found a "culture of noncompliance" in the provision of health care to incarcerated individuals, according to Axios. The audit revealed systemic deficiencies, with only 4 out of 13 recommendations for improvement implemented, including inadequate supervision of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), high employee turnover, improper disposal of biohazard waste, and delays in providing necessary medication and meals for diabetic prisoners. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services will begin overseeing health care in the state's prison system starting in July.

McCarthy Likely to Propose Debt Limit for SNAP Benefits

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R, California) is expected to disclose a debt limit negotiating proposal that includes measures to restrict food assistance for low-income Americans, according to Politico. McCarthy's proposal aims to expand work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program (SNAP) and close possible loopholes in existing restrictions. However, Senate Republicans are skeptical about the outlook of these measures, as Democrats and some Republicans have opposed similar efforts in the past. The proposal has raised concerns among Republicans representing districts won by President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, as well as from farmers, food bank operators, and antihunger advocates who are urging lawmakers to defend and even expand current SNAP programs.