Former HHS Secretary Alex M. Azar II to Speak at NCPDP 2026 Conference

Former HHS Secretary Alex M. Azar II to Headline NCPDP's 2026 Conference

The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) has announced that the Honorable Alex M. Azar II, who served as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, will be the opening keynote speaker for their Annual Technology Business Conference scheduled for May 4–6, 2026, at the luxurious Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This significant event is expected to attract a large gathering of healthcare and pharmacy leaders from across the United States.

With an extensive career that includes both governmental and private-sector roles, Alex M. Azar II holds invaluable insights into the evolving healthcare landscape. His tenure as the 24th Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2018 to 2021 was marked by transformative leadership. He oversaw a vast budget of $1.4 trillion and managed over 85,000 staff members. Notably, he played a pivotal role in spearheading Operation Warp Speed, facilitating the rapid delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, as well as implementing essential healthcare reforms. These reforms focused on enhancing telehealth services, improving interoperability, and expanding patient access to health records.

During his time in office, Azar also addressed pressing public health challenges, such as reducing drug prices, tackling the opioid crisis, and enhancing healthcare access for rural populations and underserved mothers. His leadership has had lasting implications on important healthcare initiatives and policies.

Lee Ann Stember, the President and CEO of NCPDP, remarked, "Secretary Azar's leadership has shaped some of the most consequential healthcare initiatives of our time. His insights are crucial as we navigate the many discussions pharmacy and healthcare leaders face today."

Azar's keynote address, titled "A Conversation with Alex Azar," promises to provide participants with a comprehensive exploration of healthcare leadership, policy, and innovation. He will share insights from his experiences and discuss the lessons learned from navigating complex public health challenges.

"Pharmacy is at the core of a more integrated and data-driven healthcare system," Azar commented. "I eagerly anticipate discussing how interoperability and strong leadership can continually enhance patient access, bolster public health, and achieve better outcomes within the healthcare ecosystem."

For those interested in attending, further details regarding registration and the complete agenda for the 2026 NCPDP Annual Technology Business Conference can be found on the official NCPDP website.

About NCPDP

Established in 1977, the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) is a nonprofit organization recognized as an ANSI-accredited Standards Developer. Its primary objective is to create standards and solutions that streamline the exchange of information related to medications, supplies, and services. This includes the widely adopted SCRIPT Standard for ePrescribing. With a history of promoting healthcare interoperability, NCPDP is also involved in numerous legislative initiatives and regulatory efforts aimed at improving the healthcare system.

For additional information regarding NCPDP and its initiatives, please visit NCPDP's official site.