New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday took charge office as Union Health Minister, replacing Dr Harsh Vardhan. Prior to taking the assignment, he offered prayers in his office at the Union Health Ministry.

Mandaviya is also given the charge of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. He takes over the country's Covid fight at a critical time when the government is working on a strategy to stave off a third wave of infections by ramping up vaccinations.

Earlier, he served as minister of state (MOS) for ports, shipping and waterways and MOS for chemical and fertilisers. The two-time MP has also served as a member of the consultative committee for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate and the Ministry of Textiles.
Mandaviya was also the Chairman of the state-run Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited.
As many as 43 leaders took oath on Wednesday in the first Union Cabinet reshuffle and expansion after Prime Minister Modi returned to power for a second term in May 2019.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan amid COVID-19 protocols, came days ahead of the monsoon session of parliament.

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