Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump has named Jay Bhattacharya, a known critic of pandemic lockdowns, to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the country's foremost medical research institution. Bhattacharya, a physician and economist from Stanford University, has been vocal against lockdowns and vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, which many public health officials argue were vital in saving millions of lives. According to Anadolu Agency, Trump announced Bhattacharya's appointment in a statement on Tuesday, highlighting his collaboration with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to direct the nation's medical research efforts. "Dr. Bhattacharya will work in cooperation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to direct the Nation's Medical Research, and to make important discoveries that will improve health, and save lives," Trump said. Bhattacharya expressed his sentiments on X, stating he feels "honored" and "humbled" by the nomination. He emphasized plans to reform American scientific institutions to res tore public trust and use scientific advancements to enhance the nation's health. This nomination completes Trump's public health leadership team ahead of his inauguration on January 20. Earlier this month, Trump appointed Robert Kennedy Jr., who has previously expressed skepticism about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, to head the US Health Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy's controversial views have sparked concerns within the medical community.