WASHINGTON: The Trump administration announced a significant reduction in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Nearly a quarter of the department’s workforce will be cut as part of a major restructuring effort.
This move will shrink the department’s workforce by 33% compared to the Biden administration’s last recorded numbers.
Federal records indicate HHS had 92,620 employees in September 2024.
The workforce will now reduce to approximately 62,000 employees.
Layoffs and Cost Savings
About 10,000 full-time employees will lose their jobs due to layoffs.
Many vacant positions will remain unfilled as part of the restructuring.
Thousands of contractors and fellowship positions have already been eliminated.
The department estimates the cuts will save taxpayers $1.8 billion.
FDA, CDC, NIH Impacted
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will see 3,500 job cuts.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will lose 1,200 positions.
The CDC workforce will be reduced by 2,400 employees.
Officials claim the CDC cuts will not affect infectious disease response efforts.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will also see a reduction of 300 positions.
Targeting Redundant Roles
Most job cuts will affect administrative positions across various HHS agencies.
Layoffs will target high-cost regions and roles deemed redundant.
HHS sent official notices about potential job losses to agency unions.
Employees may receive termination notifications as early as March 28.
Some agency officials saw increased security measures at workplaces.
Government Efficiency Task Force
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) spearheaded the restructuring effort.
Elon Musk played a key role in identifying financial inefficiencies within HHS.
Officials believe the department had excessive duplication across multiple divisions.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized eliminating waste while preserving essential services.
New Health Administration
A new entity, Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), will consolidate various agencies.
It will merge departments focused on public health, substance abuse, and occupational safety.
Kennedy aims to centralize efforts to improve public health policies.
The AHA will include federal dietary guidelines and fluoride usage policies.
The U.S. surgeon general will support AHA’s work.
Merging Agencies
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response will be absorbed into the CDC.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality will merge into the Office of Strategy.
The restructuring aims to streamline operations and remove unnecessary administrative layers.
Kennedy emphasized shifting focus toward frontline healthcare workers and scientists.
Federal Employees Uncertain
Many federal health officials remain unclear about their job status.
Kennedy acknowledged the downsizing as a painful but necessary step.
Managers within health agencies have received little guidance on the restructuring.
The administration plans to focus on efficiency and improving public service.
Kennedy wants employees to prioritize restoring American health in their daily work.
