Manufacturer News Wire

Noteworthy

Liko Forms Home Care Division: Liko of Franklin, Mass., a company that manufactures patient lifts and accessories, this month announced the formation of a home care division. “During the last 12 months, more people have begun buying our lifts and accessories for home care purposes,” said Hans Sigvardsson, the company’s president. “Our new home care division will focus on the unique needs of this growing market segment and accelerate the application of Liko products in the residential environment.”

American Homecare Supply Changes Its Name: In May, the Conshohocken, Pa., home office of American Homecare Supply announced that it would change its name to Air Products Healthcare, to reflect an October 2002 merger with Air Products. “Doing business as Air Products Healthcare … enhances our access to the company’s leading-edge health care technologies,” said Bob Cucuel, former chief executive officer of AHS, and current CEO and president of Air Products Healthcare.

Apothecary Products Acquires Ear-Care Products Maker: Apothecary Products, Burnesville, Minn., a manufacturer of medical compliance and first-aid products, has acquired Flents Products, a maker of ear-care products in New York. Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Japan Wins Invacare World Team Cup: Invacare’s annual World Team Cup for tennis players in wheelchairs took place June 9 through 15 in Sopot, Poland. For the first time ever, the Japanese men’s team won the title, defeating traditional favorites such as the Dutch and American teams.

A Message from HomeCare‘s Editors

Throughout this issue of HomeCare, you will find references to the Medicare reform legislation under consideration on Capitol Hill, along with calls for your involvement to affect its outcome.

We have made every effort to provide you with the most current information available at press time. However, due to the unpredictability of congressional action and the fast track this legislation appears to be on with our nation’s lawmakers, some of the information may be outdated by the time you receive this month’s magazine.

Please check HomeCare Monday, our weekly e-newsletter, for the latest reports on the progress of Medicare reform. You can read the current issue or visit archives at www.homecaremonday.com.

Awards

Pride Receives NEMED Award: The New Bedford, Mass.-based New England Medical Equipment Dealers association has given its annual Vendor of the Year Award to Pride Mobility Products, Exeter, Pa. “Pride has been instrumental in supporting New England’s state Medicaid and regulatory issues, and this is one way for NEMED to show our appreciation for all that Pride does,” said Karyn Estrella, the association’s executive director.

In other Pride news, the Paralyzed Veterans of America recognized the company for supporting the organization’s upper-extremity preservation clinical practice guideline. “We are thrilled with Pride Mobility’s support,” said PVA President Joseph Fox.

Schwartz Receives Honorary Degree: Richard Schwartz, chief executive officer of Teaneck, N.J.-based Apex Foot Industries, received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine June 9.

He was presented with the award for his continuous contributions to pedorthics, medical education and business leadership.

Apex Foot Health manufactures orthotics, insoles, therapeutic and comfort shoes, and other products that help prevent and treat foot problems. In 37 years at the company, Schwartz has been instrumental in the development of products and educational programs for orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists and pedorthists, Apex said.

For breaking news, go to www.homecaremonday.com, the electronic news service of the home medical equipment industry.