Speaking to media after her elevation, Ms Santosh Chowdhary, new minsiter for state for health and family welfare said, "I shall try to implement all schemes of the UPA Government relating to health sector for the benefit of the people as the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare."

Born in October 1944 at Sanawar, Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Chowdhary was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Phillaur Constituency of Punjab in 1992. She was elected again from the same Constituency in 1999. She was elected to the Lok Sabha from Hoshiarpur Constituency in 2009.

In the past, Ms Chowdhary was the Chairperson, Punjab Public Service Commission (1980-86); Member, Punjab Public Service Commission (1975-80); All India Congress Committee (A.I.C.C.), Central Election Authority; A.I.C.C. Introspection Committee; Central Advisory Committee for N.C.C. and Civil Supply and Public Distribution; Syndicate Member, Panjab University; Senate Member, Panjab University and Non-official Director, Punjab & Sind Bank.