New Delhi, Apr 26 (IANS): Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan has been given a three-month extension in her service. A 1983 batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, Sudan was to retire on April 30.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday approved her extension for a period of "three months beyond the date of her superannuation on April 30, 2020 or until further orders, whichever is earlier", said a Ministry of Personnel order.

Sudan, who has been working on aligning all departments to execute the Narendra Modi government's policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19, will continue to function as Secretary in the Department of Health and Family Welfare of MoHFW during the period.

Sudan is usually seen leaving her office at Nirman Bhawan late at night. An M.Phil. in Economics and postgraduate in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics, Sudan also served the World Bank in Washington as a consultant.

Her ministry is the nodal agency for fighting the present coronavirus challenge. Sudan, along with Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, coordinates with sister departments in the Central and state governments. The two conduct regular reviews of the evolving situation.

"She is also involved in the regular review of preparedness with the states and Union Territories. Also, she is the first point of contact for any query arising from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office or from the office of Union Minister," said a senior official of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"She played a major role in the evacuation of the 645 students from Wuhan, China," the official added.

Among her cadre, Sudan has a distinguished track record of serving in finance, disaster management, tourism and agriculture.