With the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr as Secretary of Health and the appointment of a team of professionals critical of the current system, the Trump administration is poised to make a major shift in US healthcare policy, according to BAM news.
A team that promises change
Robert F. Kennedy Jr, nephew of JFK and son of RFK, has just been confirmed as head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He will be joined by Prof. Jay Bhattacharya at the NIH, Dr. Dave Weldon at the CDC, Dr. Marty Makary at the FDA and Dr. Aseem Malhotra as advisor to President Trump.
Ambitious goals
The team has set itself three main objectives: to eliminate corruption and conflicts of interest within regulatory agencies, to refocus priorities on scientific excellence and transparency, and to tackle the chronic disease epidemic affecting American society.
Major challenges
With a budget representing almost 20% of federal spending, the Department of Health faces many challenges. These include reforming the healthcare system, combating obesity, which affects 74% of Americans, and managing chronic diseases, which affect more than 50% of the population.
Controversial positions
This team stands out for its critical stance towards the pharmaceutical industry and its management of the covid-19 crisis. However, RFK Jr and his collaborators will have to deal with political constraints and resistance from the system in place.
High expectations
Although the promises are ambitious, the ability of this new team to transform the American healthcare system remains to be confirmed. However, as Pr Christian Perronne points out, “These appointments are already a real revolution. Next, we’ll judge their actions.”
Thank you, President Trump. As a boy, I sat in the Oval Office where my uncle led on the issues of health and fitness. And now, six decades later, I stand with a transformational leader who fully grasps the public health crisis our great nation faces. I couldn’t be more thrilled… pic.twitter.com/jnuRksNmJ6
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) February 14, 2025