An orthopedic hand surgeon said there have been patients who lost fingers because they could not afford prescription drugs to fend off infection. Dr. Ramsey Ellis made the opening remarks Saturday at McHenry County College, where a panel gathered to discuss the “skyrocketing” prices of health care. About 70 people attended the event to talk about what drives the price of prescription medications and its “tremendous impact” on people. Ellis said the high prices result in a “loss of work” and “human suffering.” The panel – organized by the Coalition for a Better Illinois 6th, IndivisableNWIL and other advocacy groups – included U.S.