Last Updated: 2009-02-23 16:00:31 -0400 (Reuters Health)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Reducing healthcare costs is crucial for restoring the health of the United States’ economy, White House budget director Peter Orszag told a summit on fiscal responsibility on Monday.

"The single most important thing we can do to put the nation back on a sustainable (fiscal) course is slow healthcare costs. It is the key to our fiscal future," Orszag said.

(Editing by Sandra Maler)