Vice-Premier Wu Yi , who also served as health chief, yesterday handed the health portfolio to her deputy after an eventful two-year tenure that saw the medical system rocked by the Sars crisis.
Gao Qiang , Ms Wu's deputy since May 2003, was appointed minister of health by the State Council and the decision was approved by the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Xinhua reported.
Analysts say the move sends a clear signal that the central government has decided the Sars battle has been won.
'It's a mission accomplished both for the country and for Wu herself, for which she was urgently appointed and delivered some impressive performances,' said Liu Xutao , a political scientist with the State School of Administration.
It is rare for a vice-premier or state councillor to double as a ministry head. 'That could only happen when the ministry is of critical importance or went seriously wrong,' Mr Liu said.
State councillor and Minister of Public Security Zhou Yongkang is the only inner cabinet member now holding a dual role.