The UnitedHealth Group leader whose murder in December unleashed a torrent of public frustration and dissatisfaction with the U.S. health care system was pushing for some of the very improvements that critics have been seeking.

In his first public comments since one of his executives was shot to death, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said the healthcare system “needs to function better.”

In its first results since its insurance unit CEO was fatally shot in New York City, UnitedHealth Group reported Thursday weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue, prompting its shares to fall in early morning trading despite quarterly profit beating projections.

Click in for more news from The Hill{beacon} Health Care Health Care   The Big Story UnitedHealth CEO blames drug companies for high costsIn his first public remarks since the murder of

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty told analysts that the company is positioned well for growth in 2025. This comes just a month after the CEO of its insurance unit was murdered.

Responding to investor worries over a 6% drop in company stock on Thursday, UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH) CEO Andrew Witty underlined the necessity of a less complicated and more easily available healthcare system.

UnitedHealth Group reported mixed financial results for Q4, with a rise in medical care ratio and CEO's tribute to the late Brian Thompson. CEO defended high healthcare costs and announced return of rebates to customers.