Watchdog says key federal health agency is failing on crises

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) said it is designating the Health and Human Services (HHS) department's leadership and coordination of public health emergencies as a "high risk" area for the government, as reported in US News & World Report.

Long-standing "persistent deficiencies" at HHS "have hindered the nation's response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and a variety of past threats," the GAO said in its report.

"If left unaddressed, these deficiencies will continue to hamper the nation's ability to be prepared for, and effectively respond to, future threats," the report added.

The shortfalls include managing the medical supply chain, coordinating with federal and state agencies and providing clear and consistent communication to the public and the health care community, the GAO said.

The report, part of the GAO's evaluation of the government's pandemic response, did not assign blame to individual officials, in the current or past administrations.

The GAO noted that of 115 recommendations it has made to HHS over the past 15 years on public health emergencies, 72 have not been fully put in place.