FDA Reinstates Medical Device Employees After Controversial Firings Amid Industry Pressure
After mass firings at the FDA, many probationary staffers overseeing medical devices have been reinstated following lobbyist pressure from the medical device industry.
Overview
In a swift reversal, the FDA has reinstated some probationary staff after a week of firings, primarily from the medical device center. The decision, influenced by lobbying from the medical device industry, aims to mitigate effects on product review efficiency. Although former FDA officials estimate around 700 employees were let go, the rescissions have focused on device reviewers, neglecting other divisions like food and tobacco. The FDA has not disclosed the reinstated numbers, as it continues to navigate cost-cutting measures under the administrations of President Trump and Elon Musk.
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Associated Press·4M·FAQ
Around 1,000 FDA employees were initially laid off, with approximately 300 being asked to return. The reinstatements primarily focus on medical device staff.
The reinstatement was largely influenced by lobbying pressure from the medical device industry, which expressed concerns about potential delays in product reviews.
The layoffs could delay the review process for new medical devices, while the reinstatements aim to mitigate these delays. However, other areas like food and tobacco oversight remain affected.
The article mentions Elon Musk as a close adviser to President Trump, but it does not specify his direct role in the FDA layoffs. Instead, it notes his involvement in broader efforts to reduce federal positions.
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