Health Groups Pin High Hopes on Incoming DOH Chief for Public Health Reforms

MANILA, Philippines — Health workers and advocacy groups have welcomed the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint long-time public servant Dr. Jose Brittanio “Brix” Pujalte Jr. as the new Health Secretary. Malacañang on Monday confirmed that Pujalte, a veteran orthopedic surgeon, would replace Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, who tendered his courtesy resignation for health reasons. Pujalte is set to take his oath of office before Marcos in Malacañang on Tuesday. Former Health Secretary and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin hailed the appointment of Pujalte, saying “he will walk the talk” in making public health care accessible to all Filipinos. Garin recalled how Pujalte 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 speciality centers in the early 2010s. In the last two years of the Marcos administration, Garin said Pujalte would be “a pillar, who can rally the other leaders of the Department of Health (DOH) so that the public can quickly feel and experience better healthcare services.” Meanwhile, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) 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. Public health advocacy group HealthJustice Philippines also congratulated Pujalte on his appointment. It said civil society organizations were ready to work with and support Pujalte in advancing public health priorities, including stricter regulation on cigarettes and vapes, as well as policies to prevent noncommunicable diseases. “We hope his leadership will prioritize the protection of children and young people through the strict implementation of tobacco control laws, firm resistance to industry interference, and strong Philippine support for an Asean-wide ban on vapes,” HealthJustice Philippines said. “We also look forward to sustained action against noncommunicable diseases and obesity, including the implementation of the Philippine Nutrient Profile Model and stronger health taxes on harmful products,” it added.