New Delhi: Indian-American physician Vivek Murthy has been confirmed by the Senate as President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, a role in which his top priority would be responding to the coronavirus pandemic that has severely hit the country.
Dr Murthy, 43, would occupy the position of America’s Surgeon General for the second time. In 2011, president Barack Obama tapped him to serve on the advisory group on prevention, health promotion, and integrative and public health.
“I’m deeply grateful to be confirmed by the Senate to serve once again as your Surgeon General. We’ve endured great hardship as a nation over the past year, and I look forward to working with you to help our nation heal and create a better future for our children,” Murthy said on Tuesday soon after the Senate confirmed his nomination by 57-43 votes.
Dr. Murthy also released a report outlining plans to reduce opioid prescriptions and expand access to treatment for those suffering from a substance use disorder, he said. He understands the issues facing this nation including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the drug epidemic and protecting rural healthcare. COVID-19 has taken the lives of several members of Murthy’s extended family. During his confirmation hearing in February, he said that seven of his family members in India and America have died due to COVID-19.