Health Highlights: Jan. 12, 2010

Jan. 13 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Handling of Swine Flu Pandemic Will Be Reviewed: WHO

In response to growing criticism about how the swine flu pandemic was handled, the World Health Organization said Tuesday it will conduct an independent review.

Some critics have labeled the outbreak a "false pandemic" and claim pressure from drug makers influenced how it was managed, Agence France Presse reported.

"We expect and indeed welcome criticism and a chance to discuss it," WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told journalists. "In the future we will do an evaluation of our work with outside experts in order to assess the work of WHO in the management of the pandemic influenza H1N1."

The review may not begin until the swine flu outbreak is believed to be over, which could take months or even years, AFP reported.

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New Web Site Explains FDA Operations

As part of its efforts to appear more accessible, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has introduced a new Web site that explains the agency's operations to consumers.

The "FDA Basics" Web site features short videos and conversations with FDA officials, the Associated Press reported.

Because it handles large amounts of proprietary information from drug, medical device and food companies, the FDA has long operated under strict confidentiality rules.

But this has led to criticism that the agency is too slow to disclose drug safety issues, the AP reported.

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Medical Marijuana Bill Passed in New Jersey

Under a measure approved Monday by the New Jersey Legislature, patients with chronic illnesses would be allowed to use marijuana to cope with their conditions.

If it becomes law, New Jersey would become the 14th state in the nation to allow patients with severe illnesses, such as AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis, access to marijuana grown and distributed through state-monitored dispensaries, The New York Times reported.