Vice-Premier Wu Yi is expected to pass the role of minister of health soon to her senior deputy, Gao Qiang , according to sources.
Ms Wu, who earned the reputation of being China's 'Iron Lady' for her tough negotiating skills when she was minister of trade, doubled as health chief in 2003 during the Sars crisis.
But the sources said that with the crisis over, Ms Wu, 66, felt her mission had been accomplished and Mr Gao, who is executive vice-minister, would take over.
When she met NPC deputies early this week, Ms Wu recalled how she agreed to Premier Wen Jiabao's request to become health minister in 2003 even though she knew practically nothing about health issues.
At the time international pressure was growing on Beijing after the Sars outbreak was initially covered up and the virus began to spread. The central government urgently needed a capable figure who could take control.
Mr Gao, 61, a former vice-minister of finance, had long been expected to succeed Ms Wu after the battle against Sars was won.