Do we even need a surgeon general? Role questioned as Casey Means' nomination stalls
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The role of the US Surgeon General is being questioned as Dr. Casey Means' nomination stalls in the Senate. A policy scholar from the Cato Institute argues that the position is no longer necessary and has not made a significant impact on Americans' lives.
The US has been without a Surgeon General for over a year. Dr. Jeff Singer, a surgeon and Cato Institute fellow, says the absence hasn't made a difference. The Surgeon General's role dates back to the 1700s, overseeing hospitals for merchant mariners. Today, the position oversees the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and serves as a national voice on health issues. Singer argues that the role has become too political and that the Corps should be replaced with civilian contractors. He cites a 2010 report that found replacing the Corps with civilians could cut costs by 15%.
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