The Department of Health was created by Statute 9-10 George V, c. 24, assented to June 6, 1919, and was to be presided over by the minister of another department who was to be named by the Governor in Council. The President of the Privy Council was designated to be ex officio the minister to preside over the department from June 6, 1919 to September 20, 1921. The Minister of Immigration and Colonization administered the department from September 21, 1921 to December 28, 1921. From December 29, 1921 to June 10, 1928, the Minister of Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment was designated to preside over the department.
The Department of Health Act and the office of Minister of Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment were abolished and the office of Minister of Pensions and National Health was created by Statute 18-19 George V, c. 39, assented to June 11, 1928.