iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The US Senate after a lot of consideration has finally confirmed the appointment of Indian-American doctor Vivek Murthy to be US President Biden’s surgeon general, on Tuesday, March 23.
Murthy will now be officially handling the administration’s top public health issues including heading the coronavirus taskforce.
Murthy’s appointment for the position came under a lot of speculation last month after the disclosure of his financial statement. It revealed that Dr Murthy earned at least $2.6 million in consulting fees and engagements since January 2020, and advised four companies that focus on health services and products.
However, the doubts over his earnings have been cleared and the Senate has given their approval.
Senators voted 57-43 to confirm the Indian American as Biden’s surgeon general. Dr Murthy had served as surgeon general under the Obama administration but was fired by former President Trump in 2017.
“I am deeply grateful to be confirmed by the Senate to serve once again as your Surgeon General. We have 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,” Vivek Murthy tweeted.
Republicans Senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Roger Marshall, Lisa Murkowski, Rob Portman, Mitt Romney and Dan Sullivan joined Democrats in supporting Vivek Murthy’s nomination on Tuesday.
