Energy Minister, Franklyn Khan

Energy Minister Franklyn Khan is back to work and he says it is by the grace of God.

Minister Khan fell ill in December last year, while on vacation in Thailand.

It was reported he had issues related to his heart, which was brought on by a viral infection. The infection had led to an accumulation of fluid in his lungs.

In the Senate this afternoon Minister Khan said, in January 2017 he underwent by-pass surgery and 3 months later he was able to return to work, by the grace of God.

Minister Khan told the lower house he was given the all clear by his doctors to return to work weeks ago, but a concerned Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said no.

He said Dr Rowley wanted to be certain he was fit to return to duty.

Earlier, members of the government and opposition benches welcomed Minister Khan back to the house of representatives.