Indo-Americans have hailed the nomination of Vivek Hallegere Murthy, a 36-year-old physician of India descent, to the position of United States (US) Surgeon General.

Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said: Indo-American community is delighted and thrilled and feels honored by this nomination. A “smart choice”, Zed remarked.

Zed, who is Chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, noted: We applaud Murthy's nomination, an outstanding physician who has demonstrated to be a sincere and innovative health leader and visionary, committed to improving the health of Americans. We urge US Senate to speedily confirm his appointment.

Congratulating Dr. Murthy on the nomination, Rajan Zed stated: We believe that he will continue with his dedication to improve the health and well being of all Americans, making a positive impact. Zed urged the Indo-Americans to wholeheartedly support Murthy in his confirmation process.

 If confirmed, Murthy, a Yale graduate currently a hospitalist at Harvard Medical School whose parents reportedly emigrated from Karnataka, will be the youngest surgeon general in US history and first of India descent. There are reportedly about 80,000 doctors of India descent in US, which makes them about ten per cent of the total physician population.

Murthy reportedly has links to Hallegere village of Karnataka’s Mandya district, which is known for Brindavan Gardens.

As the Nation’s Doctor, the Surgeon General provides Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury. The Surgeon General, whose history goes back to 1871, is nominated by US President with advice and consent of the US Senate for a four-year term of office. Currently Rear Admiral Boris D. Lushniak is Acting Surgeon General.

By:IANS