Federal Health Workforce Faces Significant Downsizing
In an unprecedented move, hundreds of federal health employees, including those in pivotal leadership roles, began receiving notifications early Tuesday morning about the termination of their positions. This sweeping reorganization is set to streamline the agencies responsible for the regulation of food and drugs, safeguarding public health, and pioneering medical research.
Announcement by Health Secretary
Recently, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed plans to downsize his department by a staggering 10,000 employees. Notably, some high-ranking officials based in Washington, D.C., have been reassigned to the Indian Health Service territories. This relocation strategy is perceived by some employees as a method to compel resignations due to the necessity of relocating across the nation.
Impact on Department Size
With these reductions, combined with previous staff exits, the department’s workforce will shrink from 82,000 to 62,000. As of now, there has been no immediate response from the department regarding inquiries for comments.
Widespread Job Cuts
Notifications began rolling out as early as 5 a.m., impacting key offices involved in global health, medical device regulation, and communications. While certain employees were bracing for these layoffs, others at the department headquarters in Washington received confirmation last Friday that their offices, including those focusing on minority health and infectious disease prevention, would be dissolved.
However, some employees were taken by surprise. At the Food and Drug Administration, senior officials were unexpectedly dismissed, leading to significant staff reductions in divisions overseeing food, drug, and medical device policies—resulting in around 3,500 staff members being let go. Several employees found out about their dismissal upon failing to access the building with their badges on Tuesday morning.
Reassignments and Departures
Among those affected is Brian King, the chief tobacco regulator, who was offered a position in a regional office of the Indian Health Service encompassing Alaska, as reported by Mitch Zeller, his predecessor. Furthermore, staff members involved in veterinary medicine and the intricate process of reviewing extensive new drug applications were also dismissed.
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