A Rare Public Rebuke: Former U.S. Surgeons General Warn Health Secretary Over Policy Shift
Six former U.S. surgeons general have issued an extraordinary public warning against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. They claim that Kennedy’s new HHS regulations stray from scientific agreement and threaten the nation’s health infrastructure. Former top health officials have never united against an HHS boss before.
Former surgeons general from both parties voiced worry that Kennedy’s decisions prioritize ideology over evidence. They say his approach has eroded public trust, shattered health agency morale, and marginalized experts. They warn that the repercussions might be severe, especially as the US faces new infectious illness and chronic health issues.
Kennedy’s vaccine policy repositioning is their main criticism. Critics say he advocated questionable views on mRNA technology and COVID-19 vaccine hazards. They also mention HHS structural changes, including the replacement of the entire CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which makes vaccine recommendations. Former officials claim that degrading vaccines endangers one of the most effective public health instruments.
The group cited the U.S. measles outbreak as evidence of the danger of diluting vaccine confidence. Kennedy’s ties to anti-vaccine groups and disdain of professionals increase risks, they say. The retired health executives say public health requires transparent leaders who consult with specialists and base decisions on solid evidence.
Kennedy claims his “Make America Healthy Again” plan will restore public trust and move away from medical and pharmaceutical interests. He claims his reforms are needed to restore accountability and trust in health organizations after conflicts of interest eroded credibility.
Former surgeons general remain skeptical. They say Kennedy is endangering public health by ignoring scientific agreement, rejecting experts, and making drastic changes without evidence. They argue that protecting the nation’s health should trump ideological objectives, especially for a department responsible for millions.
This rare reprimand will be watched to see how it affects the debate over health policy and who sets it.
Sources
The Guardian
Yahoo / MSN / news aggregators
