Indian-origin doctor appointed New York City’s new health commissioner

PTI

New York

Dr Dave A Chokshi, a 39-year-old Indian-origin physician with expertise in public health, has been appointed as New York City’s new health commissioner by Mayor Bill de Blasio who praised him for playing a crucial role in addressing the unprecedented coronavirus challenges faced by the city.

Chokshi was named Commissioner of the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on Tuesday after serving health commissioner Dr Oxiris Barbot resigned from her post. Blasio said Chokshi has spent his career fighting for those too often left behind.

“Never has that been truer than during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he has helped lead our City’s public health system under unprecedented challenges. I know he’s ready to lead the charge forward in our fight for a fairer and healthier city for all.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of our City’s response in the face of a once-in-a-lifetime public health crisis,” Chokshi said, adding that he was honoured to serve the people of New York City.

“Together, we will emerge from this pandemic as a stronger, fairer, and healthier city.”

New York currently has 28,710 confirmed cases of coronavirud and 2,507 deaths due to the infection, according to Johns Hopkins University.