U.S. Health Department Announces Major Downsizing

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to cut 10,000 full-time jobs and close regional offices as part of a new restructuring effort. This move reduces employees from 82,000 to 62,000, aiming to refocus the department's mission on combating chronic diseases.

In a significant move, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Thursday a major restructuring of the department he leads, which will involve considerable workforce reductions.

The initiative will see a cut of approximately 10,000 full-time jobs and the closure of regional offices across the country, aligning with ongoing voluntary departures. This will bring the total number of full-time employees from 82,000 down to 62,000.

Kennedy Jr. emphasized that the aim is not merely to reduce administrative clutter. Instead, the department is being realigned to concentrate on its primary mission, particularly targeting the reversal of the chronic disease epidemic currently affecting the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)