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DURHAM, N.C. - The following statement is from William J. Donelan, executive vice president of the Duke University Health System (DUHS), concerning Friday's announcement by Coventry Health Care Inc. that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire WellPath Community Health Plans from DUHS.

"We are understandably proud of the high-quality health insurance plan that WellPath has become in five short years. However, the primary focus of the Duke University Health System is improving the health of the people of this state and region through the highest quality care and breakthrough innovation in diagnosis and treatment. The decision to create WellPath five years ago was the right one at that time. However, the managed care environment has changed a great deal since 1995, and we believe that the time is right to let those who know about insurance products lead WellPath into the future and let the world-class physicians and nurses in the Duke Health System focus on providing the best possible medical care to our patients."