Hutt has held the position since 1999, but has recently been criticised in her role. She will now take a cabinet job as Business Manager.
First Minister Rhodri Morgan said he was confident that Mr Gibbons would “build on the platform created by Jane Hutt for the health and social services of Wales since May 1999.
“I have asked Jane to take on another key cabinet position where she can help to lead the Welsh Assembly Government’s agenda and ensure that it is translated into practical action.”
Dr Gibbons, the Assembly Member for Aberavon who became Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Transport in 2003, has front-line experience in health service provision, having served as a General Practitioner in Blaengwynfi.
He is currently a member of the General Medical Services Committee, Secretary to the Morgannwg Local Medical Committee, and is a member of the British Medical Association.