Trump set to appoint Obamacare opponent Price as healthcare secretary

Donald Trump is planning to appoint Georgia congressman and outspoken opponent of Obamacare Tom Price as his health secretary, according to the president-elect's transition team officials.

Former Republican House speaker Newt Gingrich tweeted on Monday that Price would make a great healthcare secretary, and also added that he "is the right leader to help Congress replace Obamacare".

The new healthcare system was introduced by outgoing Democrat president Barack Obama, but has faced criticism from those in the GOP since its introduction in 2010.

Price has served in Congress for six terms and previously worked as a surgeon, and has heavily criticised the legislation introduced by Obama.

"Premiums have gone up, not down," he said earlier this year. "Many Americans lost the health coverage they were told time and time again by the president that they could keep. Choices are fewer."

The representative is in favour of limited government and lower spending in general, and also said that the facts and figures show Obamacare has not been a success.

"While President Obama and Democrats have the audacity to tout Obamacare's 'success,' the cold hard facts and figures prove the opposite is true," he said.