US urged to standby health reforms bid

FORMER Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean said yesterday he doubts there can be meaningful healthcare reform without a direct government role.

Dean, a leading figure in the liberal wing of his party, urged the Obama administration to stand by statements in which it insisted that such a public option was indispensable to genuine change.

Dean appeared on news shows yesterday amid indications the White House is retreating from the option of public insurance in the face of vocal opposition from Republicans and some participants at meetings around the country.