The health care sector and jobs creation

News reports reflect significant activity within the health industry – some highlighting job creation, some reflecting employment reductions. 

Market Watch: Blasted By GOP, Health Reform Is Adding Jobs
While Republican presidential hopefuls in Florida decry President Barack Obama's health-care reform as job-killing, for one big chunk of the economy -; the health-care sector itself -; the controversial law will likely boost employment. The health care industry is already one of the nation's largest employers. In Florida alone, which holds its key primary Tuesday, there are about 960,000 jobs in health care and social assistance, around 13 percent of all nonfarm payroll positions in the state (Mantell, 1/30).

The Wall Street Journal: J&J Shakes Up McNeil Unit Again
Johnson & Johnson is shaking up oversight of the troubled unit that makes Tylenol and other over-the-counter medicines once again, naming new leadership less than a year after manufacturing problems sparked a revamp (Rockoff and Lublin, 1/31).

Arizona Republic: Cigna To Cut 100 Health-Care Jobs
Cigna Medical Group will close a half dozen medical specialty groups in March, a move that will eliminate 100 health care jobs. The health insurance and medical services company chose to close some of its own medical specialties because its customers can get such services from physicians through Cigna insurance plans, a company spokeswoman said (Alltucker, 1/30).