HHS to Cut 10,000 Jobs in Major Workforce Reduction

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to eliminate 10,000 jobs as part of a restructuring plan, reducing its workforce from 82,000 to 72,000 positions.

“When combined with HHS’ other efforts, including early retirement and Fork in the Road, the restructuring results in a total downsizing from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees,” the department said in a release, estimating that taxpayers would save $1.8 billion from the changes.

The cuts will primarily impact public health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“This reduction will not affect drug, medical device, or food reviewers, nor will it impact inspectors,” the fact sheet says of the FDA changes. 

HHS officials say the move is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs within the agency. The restructuring comes amid ongoing discussions about government spending and the efficiency of federal health programs.