HHS Plans 20% Cuts to FDA Workforce, Affects Key Review Processes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is undergoing a significant restructuring, resulting in a reduction of its workforce by about 25%, with 10,000 jobs being cut, including 3,500 at the FDA. This downsizing is part of an effort to streamline the department, with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasizing a focus on chronic illness prevention and consolidation of divisions. The FDA, already facing challenges from previous layoffs, is struggling to meet mandated deadlines for reviewing medical devices and tobacco products due to an increased workload on remaining staff. With many FDA scientists managing double the number of product applications, concerns have been raised about potential delays and oversight risks in product evaluations. The situation has prompted industry leaders to express worries about the implications for market entry and public safety. HHS's restructuring comes amid broader federal workforce reductions impacting various agencies.