B.D. Athani, presently posted as Special DGHS, has been appointed the new Director General of Health Services (DGHS) after incumbent Jagdish Prasad proceeded on 15-day leave, it was announced on Wednesday.

"In pursuance of this ministry's OM No.C-14011'01/2015-Vig./CHS dated January 16, 2018, Dr. Jagdish Prasad, DGHS is to proceed on earned leave for 15 days from January 16 afternoon," the Union Health ministry said in an order. The ministry, it said, has decided to assign the charge of the post of DGHS with "full powers to Dr. B.D. Athani, presently posted as Spl. DGHS".

Athani joined the Union Health Ministry as Special DGHS in 2015 after serving as the Medical Superintendent of the city's Safdarjung hospital. According to reliable sources in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Prasad has been asked to proceed on leave in view of an enquiry against him by the government watchdog.