Pujalte Appointed New DOH Chief as Herbosa Resigns

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has finally let go of Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, whose three-year term as chief of the Department of Health (DOH) has been marred by a series of controversies, as part of his Cabinet. Malacañang on Monday said the President accepted the courtesy resignation of Herbosa due to health reasons, and named veteran orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jose Brittanio “Brix” Pujalte Jr., as the new health secretary. Palace press officer Claire Castro said the President appointed Pujalte due to his “extensive experience and distinguished leadership as a physician, hospital administrator, educator, and public servant, with more than three decades of advancing public health.” READ: Herbosa says recovery prompted exit, cites DOH gains “Pujalte is expected to lead the agency in continuing President Marcos’ initiatives to further strengthen the country’s healthcare system, promote quality healthcare services, and advance good health for all Filipinos,” she added. Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, a former DOH secretary, welcomed the appointment of Pujalte, recalling that he was among the “strongest and most steadfast voices who firmly stood up and opposed the privatization” of the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) and other government specialty centers in the early 2010s. The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) said it has high expectations for Pujalte as he assumes the leadership of the DOH. “Having previously stood with health workers and other stakeholders in opposing the privatization of public hospitals, including the proposed privatization of the [POC], AHW expects him to remain consistent with this position by upholding and strengthening the public healthcare system and ensuring that government hospitals remain accessible to all Filipinos,” the group said. It called on Pujalte to push for the improvement of the conditions of healthcare workers, and to advance policies that prioritize public health over privatization and profit-driven interests. “AHW challenges Secretary Pujalte to lead with transparency, accountability, and genuine public service, and to stand with health workers and patients in building a healthcare system that protects lives, upholds dignity, and puts the welfare of the Filipino people above all else,” it added. The group, which had been calling for Herbosa to step down as DOH chief for years, said his resignation “should have come much earlier, as his tenure has failed to bring meaningful improvements to the conditions of health workers and the country’s public healthcare system.” Pujalte has devoted most of his professional career to government service. He joined the DOH in 1991 and completed his orthopedic residency at the POC in 1994. Since 2014, he has served as Medical Center Chief II of the POC. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and later obtained a master’s degree in hospital administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. In 2008, he was recognized as a career executive service eligible, which Malacañang said is “a testament to his competence and readiness in both clinical practice and public administration.” He also served as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Manila, the Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and San Beda College of Medicine. Pujalte was previously considered to lead the DOH in 2022, when the Philippine Orthopedic Association, of which he is a fellow, formally endorsed him for the position. The appointment, however, ultimately went to Herbosa. /cb