Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is all set to lead the World Health Organisation Executive Board from May 22, officials informed on Tuesday.
The minister would succeed Japan’s Dr Hiroki Nakatani.
The proposal to appoint India’s nominee to the executive board was signed by the 194-nation World Health Assembly on Tuesday, officials said on condition of anonymity.
This is more like a formality as it was decided in 2019 that India’s nominee would take over the position.
Dr Harsh Vardhan will head the position for the upcoming year. He will be heading the executive board meetings which happens twice a year.
The next meeting is mostly around January.
However, considering the rapid spread of Coronavirus, this is a tricky time for India’s Union Health Minister.