37-year-old Indian-American Vivek Murthy has become the youngest-ever US Surgeon General after being confirmed by the Senate, despite strong opposition from Republicans and the powerful gun rights lobby.
Murthy, who was confirmed yesterday by the US Senate by 51 votes to 43 more than a year after being nominated, will be the first Indian-American to serve in the role.
President Barack Obama, who had nominated him in November 2013, said Murthy’s confirmation will better position the nation to save lives abroad and protect Americans at home.
His nomination saw a strong opposition from the powerful pro-gun lobby National Rifle Association and Republicans.
“I applaud the Senate for confirming Vivek Murthy to be our country’s next Surgeon General,” Obama said.
“As America’s Doctor, Vivek will hit the ground running to make sure every American has the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe,” he said in a statement.
“He’ll bring his lifetime of experience promoting public health to bear on priorities ranging from stopping new diseases to helping our kids grow up healthy and strong.”
The President said Murthy will also help us “build on the progress we’ve made combating Ebola, both in our country and at its source’’.
Murthy has been endorsed by over 100 health organisations, including the American College of Physicians, the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association.
Earlier, pitching strongly for Murthy’s confirmation, Senator Dick Durbin praised him for his dedication to fighting obesity, tobacco related diseases and other chronic diseases that account for 7 out of the top 10 causes for death in the US and make up for 84 per cent of America’s healthcare costs.
“I believe Dr Murthy understands the importance of the national crises before him, and feel confident that his experiences, his training, and his tenacity have provided him the qualifications he needs to tackle these issues, and the many more he’s sure to face, head-on,” Durbin said.
“I’m thrilled the Senate has confirmed Dr Vivek Murthy as our next surgeon general,” said Congressman Ami Bera, who is the only Indian-American lawmaker in the current Congress.
“As a practising physician and instructor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a champion of innovation in medicine, and a leader in the medical community, Dr Murthy is an excellent choice for this role and his appointment is historic for the Indian-American community,” Bera said.