The French Polynesian president, Gaston Tong Sang, has named Nicolas Bertholon as the new health minister, replacing Jules Ienfa who resigned last month for personal reasons.
Mr Bertholon held the position for most of last year.
The change of leadership in the health portfolio comes amid severe financial pressure in the sector exacerbated by the opening of a large new hospital in Taaone near Papeete.
The government is under pressure to pass the budget as it lacks a majority in the assembly and the territory's economy has suffered a downturn.
