The President has appointed a new head for the Department of Health, Malacañang announced on Monday, following the resignation of Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa due to health reasons.
Jose "Brix" S. Pujalte, Jr. has been appointed to lead the Department of Health, bringing with him extensive experience as a physician, hospital administrator, educator, and public servant, with more than three decades dedicated to advancing public health.
According to Palace Press Officer Clarissa A., Dr. Pujalte, Jr. is expected to lead the agency in continuing President Marcos, Jr.'s initiatives to strengthen the country's healthcare system and promote better health for all.
Dr. Pujalte started his career at the DoH in 1991 and also served as chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, where he earned his orthopedic residency since 2014.
Secretary Herbosa resigned from his post due to health reasons, citing a need to complete his physical therapy and recover from a successful bilateral knee replacement surgery on both knees.
Herbosa stated in a statement that his daily work at the DoH should not interfere with his rehabilitation and therapy, leading him to submit his resignation letter to President Marcos, Jr.
Dr. Pujalte succeeds Secretary Herbosa, who led several key DoH programs, including the PuroKalusugan Program, which delivers a comprehensive package of primary healthcare services directly to local communities.
Herbosa also led the rollout of the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service Centers, specialized outpatient facilities that provide free urgent care, minor surgeries, and diagnostic services to help reduce hospital overcrowding.
However, Secretary Herbosa is facing several controversies, with multiple graft and corruption complaints filed against him and other high-ranking DoH officials before the Office of the Ombudsman, including allegations of bid-rigging and violating procurement laws in the procurement of P1.8 billion worth of Mobile Primary Care Facilities.
