Indian-origin physician Vivek Murthy becomes US's youngest Surgeon General
Washington, Dec 16: 37-year-old Indian-American physician Vivek Hallegere Murthy has been confirmed as the 19th Surgeon General of America by US Senate. He is youngest person and first person of Indian-origin to hold the post.
The
upper
house
of
US
Congress
confirmed
Murthy's
nomination
by
51
votes
to
43
more
than
year
after
President
Barack
Obama
had
nominated
him
to
this
top
administration
post
on
public
health
issues
in
November
2013
which
saw
a
strong
opposition
from
the
powerful
pro-gun
lobby
National
Rifle
Association
(NRA).
The final voting came on Monday soon after the Senate invoked cloture -- a procedural hurdle -- by same numbers (51 to 43 votes) Pitching strongly for Murthy's confirmation, Senator Dick Durbin praised Murthy for his dedication to fighting obesity, tobacco related diseases and other chronic diseases that account for seven out of the top 10 causes for death in America and make up for 84 per cent of America's health care 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.
"Not only is Dr Murthy an outstanding doctor and public health expert, but he also remains closely connected to his community and family," he said. "There is no question about the qualification of Dr Murthy to do his job," said another Senator Chris Murphy, adding that Murthy has a really impressive history of commitment to international public health, building two international organisations, one that empowers hundreds of youths in the US and India to educate over 45,000 students on HIV prevention.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said Murthy has addressed some of the nation's most pressing health problems over the times. "Dr Murthy's credentials are without question. They are impeccable, unquestionable and indisputable".
Coming out in support of Murthy, Senator Daniel Markey said he has developed a skill set which is much needed for the 21st century and in an era where disease cross international boundaries. "It is an opportunity to put a real leader in this position," he said.
Senator Mazie Hirono said Murthy would make an effective surgeon general.
On the one hand, when several Senators have lauded Murthy's nomination there were others who continued to oppose his confirmation. "The American people deserve a Surgeon General who has proven, throughout his or her career that their main focus is a commitment to patients, not a commitment to politics.
PTI