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The US Senate has confirmed the appointment of Alex Azar as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Azar replaces former HHS secretary Tom Price who resigned in September last year.
Azar served as HHS’s general counsel and deputy secretary from 2001 to 2007. More recently, he formed a biopharmaceutical and health insurance consulting firm in 2017, Seraphim Strategies. Prior to that, he spent a decade as a senior executive at Eli Lilly and Company, and rose to become president of Lilly USA.
US Senator Chris Coons said: “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to support President Trump’s nomination of Alex Azar to serve as our next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). I have known Mr. Azar for several decades and have always been impressed with his intellect and work ethic. Mr. Azar also brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served in a number of different senior roles at HHS and in the private sector."
Coons added: “I personally met with Mr. Azar last month and pressed him on a number of key issues that he will impact as Secretary, including the Affordable Care Act, drug pricing, and continued progress on health care system delivery reform.
"There is plenty that we disagree on, but I was encouraged by his answers during our conversation and I believe he is committed to representing the interests of Delawareans and Americans everywhere. I disagree with most of the Trump Administration’s health policies, but HHS needs a competent leader. Mr. Azar is prepared to be that.”
Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, Appointment, Health chief, Alex Azar, Tom Price, Chris Coons, US
