The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Dr. Vivek Murthy to be President Joe Biden's surgeon general. The Indian-American doctor has already served as surgeon general under the Obama administration. But in 2017, he was fired by former President Donald Trump.

Vivek Murthy said his top priority would be to end the coronavirus pandemic. He has also raised concerns over the worsening opioid overdose crisis, according to an Associated Press report.

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Senators' Support on Vivek Murthy

Vivek Murthy was able to regain the post with the support of the Senators who voted for him. The vote 57-43 confirmed Murthy's reinstatement, which according to The Hill, was close to his winning 51 votes in 2014. 

The vote gave him bipartisan support and reinforced the current administration's key person in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

During his confirmation hearing, Murthy conveyed his eagerness to help the public protect themselves by providing "clear, science-based guidance."

In a Twitter post, Senator Patty Murray praised Murthy, saying she is looking forward to work with him in addressing and ending the pandemic.

Republican senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Roger Marshall, Rob Portman, and Mitt Romney joined the Democrats in confirming Murthy for the position. GOP senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan also supported his nomination. 

Murthy was also praised by Democrat health policy advisor, Chris Jennings, saying that he can be compassionate and impose credibility when those qualities are needed the most. 

"Murthy has confirmed his commitment to remaining non-partisan as Surgeon General," said Senator Joe Manchin, adding that it is one of the reasons why he believed that Vivek Murthy has what it takes to be the U.S. surgeon general.

Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General

As the surgeon general, Murthy will have to oversee the U.S. Public Health Service (UPHS) Commission Corps. The group is composed of 6,000 uniformed officers who are public health professionals, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Services (HHS). 

Murthy will also take the role of the nation's doctor. He is expected to provide the American people with the best scientific information regarding their health improvement and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Murthy also acknowledged that his toughest battle would be convincing the people to abide by the safety protocols also imposed by different health organizations. Some of these practices are wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing even after vaccination.

In a Twitter post, Murthy highlighted the importance of mental health. He emphasized that struggling with mental health is an indication of being a human. 

Vivek Murthy reiterated that "mental health and substance use disorder" along with the COVID-19 pandemic will be his focus. The coronavirus pandemic has already taken the lives of some members of Murthy's extended family.

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