 "Doge’s crackdown on health agencies fuels new pandemic threat")
As “department of government efficiency” (Doge) boss Elon Musk shifts his attention to American health agencies amidst his efforts to rein in federal spending, experts are warning it could lead to the breakout of new diseases.
On Friday (February 14), thousands were sacked from federal health agencies after the administration of President Donald Trump announced a plan to fire all probationary employees.
At the same time, Doge has either accessed or requested access to sensitive federal health payments.
Experts sound warning bell
In this process, the Trump administration risks doing significant harm to the American health system, experts have warned.
Scott Cory, former chief information officer for an agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), was quoted by _The Guardia_n as saying, “The potential for doing harm is significant.”
The outlet also quoted a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employee as saying that Trump’s moves had raised the possibility of the outbreak of a public emergency.
“The possibility of new outbreaks or public health events is certain given the recent concerning spread of bird flu, which is still hampered by a slow response,” said the employee.
“With external communications cut off, extensive work-stop orders and dramatic changes in the federal workforce, the ability of any health agency is severely limited and ultimately will serve no one but those who choose to profit off the suffering.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHealth agencies crippled
On Friday, more than 5,200 people were laid off at several health agencies. Of them, over 1,200 were sacked off the US CDC alone.
Among those fired included people specialising in Epidemic Intelligence Services, known as “disease detectives”, reported the Guardian, citing sources.
“In my whole time in the federal government, I’ve never seen this,” said the CDC employee.
The Trump administration and the Doge are not done yet. There are reports that more senior health officials may be sacked in coming days. Several contractors may also come in the line of fire.
Disruption in bird flu response
As the bird flu outbreak worsens in the US, the federal health staff has been left to deal with confusion and uncertainty.
Congressional briefings by The CDC and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have already been stopped since the Trump inauguration.
Trump’s collision with the World Health Organization (WHO) has also led to anxiety among some.
Since April, bird flu has infected over 70 people in the US, with one reported casualty.
The USDA on 5 February said dairy cattle were infected with a second strain of bird flu, increasing concerns over its spread.
(With inputs from agencies)
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