After holding the office of Health Minister and spearheading the health sector for more than two years, Dr Harsh Vardhan has tendered his resignation and Mansukh Mandaviya has now taken over the charge. This comes as a part of a major Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Narendra Modi wherein as many as 43 leaders took oath as Union Ministers. Mandavia is from Bhavnagar and began his political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was the youngest-ever MLA in the assembly at the age of 30. Amid the reshuffle, Mandaviya was serving as a minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Chemicals and Fertilizers. His contribution during the pandemic was noteworthy.
He was active in shoring up the inventory of amphotericin, the drug used to treat mucormycosis. Just days ahead of the reshuffle, he visited Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadila, Hester Biosciences and Serum Institute of India. He was honoured by UNICEF for his contribution to the cause of women's menstrual hygiene by using the chain of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to sell 100 million sanitary pads made with oxo-biodegradable technology at a nominal price.
Mandaviya is known for his remarkable contribution at various levels since decades. He is having very good relations with the ABPL group since many years. He was appointed as the Chairman of a
National Campaign committee to start the direct flights from London- Ahmedabad- London for the Gujaratis residing in the UK. Renowned journalist and a member of ABPL group, late Bhupatbhai Parekh and Publisher/Editor, CB Patel met Mansukhbhai at London and requested him to initiate the direct flights. Mansukhbhai took the call and coordinated with all the ministries. Within a short span of time, PM Narendra Modi in his visit to a function at Wembley, inaugurated the direct flight. British Indians, residing in the UK, Gujarat Samachar along with ABPL group wished him hearty congratulations to Manadviya for being appointed as the Cabinet Minister.
