Interim Director Fired Amid Health Clinic Turmoil | Portland News

Portland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 1, 2026 · 2m

Anirudh Padmala, interim exec director of Multnomah County’s massive public health clinic network, was abruptly fired amid allegations he eroded morale — claims he denies, calling it a political purge. He’s been on paid leave since May and says the Health Department Director undermined the clinic’s board, targeting him for his leadership ambitions. The county says it’s focused on staff well-being and finding a permanent director amid national healthcare challenges — while Padmala, a longtime local health advocate, insists he was unfairly scapegoated in a brewing power struggle. Listen in…