US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Indian-American scientist Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a pivotal role in overseeing health research and funding in the United States. Bhattacharya, a professor at Stanford University with expertise in health policy and the economics of aging, will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the nation's most pressing health issues, including chronic illness and disease. Bhattacharya is known for his controversial stance on lockdowns, co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration in 2020.

In addition, Trump nominated Jim O'Neill as the deputy secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), a role aimed at improving transparency, management, and accountability in US health agencies. O'Neill brings extensive experience from his previous work in reforming food safety and drug regulations at the FDA.

Bhattacharya’s appointment marks a significant step in Trump's efforts to reshape health policy in the US, focusing on innovation and tackling the country's ongoing health crises.