Statement from President Preckwinkle on CCHHS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ram Raju’s return to New York to lead the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation

After two years at the helm of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ram Raju will return to New York to lead the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation as President. From the start, Dr. Raju knew the potential of Cook County’s system. During his time here, Dr. Raju spearheaded the County’s efforts to secure an 1115 Waiver from the federal government in order to early enroll those eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in our CountyCare program. Due to these efforts, we have successfully initiated over 130,000 CountyCare applications, enrolled over 70,000 members in CountyCare and reduced the government subsidy by roughly a third. This was the cornerstone of Dr. Raju’s plan to ensure a system that is both effective and efficient and it has been a critical step in the transformation of CCHHS. I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Raju's leadership, counsel and friendship,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. “We share a belief that quality health care is a right for all—not a privilege for a few. Everyday Dr. Raju has worked tirelessly to ensure that we can effectively and efficiently deliver on that principle. While I am sad to see him go, I know that his unfailing work ethic and dedication has shaped a stronger health care system for all our residents. Even as he returns to New York, he leaves an indelible legacy within Cook County. The Cook County Health and Hospitals System Board of Directors will oversee the selection of the Chief Executive Officer. The CCHHS Board is expected to appoint an interim CEO and commence a search in the coming days. Prior to serving as Chief Executive Officer for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System, Dr. Raju served as Executive Vice President for Medical and Professional Affairs for the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation. Dr. Raju returns to New York where his wife and family currently reside.