Major Overhaul in Health Department: Top Officials on Leave

The significant restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services has put key personnel on leave while aiming to transform healthcare delivery and efficiency.

Quick Takes

HHS plans to cut 10,000 jobs, impacting major agencies.
Restructuring efforts led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The aim is to shift from “sick care” to preventive health measures.
High-ranking officials placed on administrative leave.

Massive Workforce Reduction at HHS

The Department of Health and Human Services is undergoing a transformative reorganization, marked by the suspension of key figures like Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo and Dr. Diana Bianchi. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spearheading efforts to streamline operations, which include a staggering 10,000 job cuts. This move is part of President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative, aiming for a leaner, more effective HHS. The reductions affect 25% of the workforce, with significant impacts expected at the FDA, CDC, NIH, and CMS.

Specific job cuts include 3,500 at the FDA, 2,400 at the CDC, 1,200 at the NIH, and 300 at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The aim is to save $2 billion annually while reducing the number of HHS divisions from 28 to 15. However, this decision has faced criticism, particularly concerning the potential impact on public health services and safety.

Shifting Focus Toward Prevention

The restructuring is focused on shifting the department’s approach from reactive “sick care” to a more proactive preventive healthcare strategy. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the department as an inefficient bureaucracy and emphasized the necessity of reducing redundancy. The plan aims to recalibrate efforts to address the chronic disease epidemic, despite significant financial investments.

Expansive changes include centralizing departments like external communications, procurement, IT, and HR. The agency aims to refine its core mission amid concerns from public health experts and congressional Democrats, who warn of fewer services and longer wait times as the staffing reductions take effect. Transparency issues remain a critical area of concern, leading to frustration among HHS employees and key stakeholders.

Top Department of Health and Human Services officials have been put on administrative leave, with the option of relocating to a new job in Alaska, Montana, New Mexico or other postings.

"I did not see this coming at all," a senior HHS executive said. https://t.co/i7T3dFrBpa

— Alaska Public Media News (@AKpublicnews) April 7, 2025

Reassignment Controversies and Leadership Challenges

As part of the restructuring, agencies such as the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration face shutdowns or consolidations. One of the notable personnel changes involves Dr. Peter Stein, placed on administrative leave after refusing reassignment to a different role. This reshuffling among lead officials has led to questions about the agency’s future effectiveness.

Top Democrats and public health professionals have voiced their discontent, citing potential risks to public safety and department communication gaps. Changes are aimed at a streamlined system focused on efficiency, but concerns remain about the strain they place on essential health services. HHS officials have continued to back the restructuring as crucial to fulfilling their core mission of “Making America Healthy Again.”