President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) acting President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), replacing Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced the change Monday, saying Pujalte had voluntarily resigned from the post due to health reasons.
Mercado, who has been serving as PhilHealth’s acting president and CEO, will now take over the country’s health department.
Pujalte assumed the DOH leadership only in July, succeeding former Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
His tenure lasted only weeks before his resignation was announced.
Pujalte’s brief stint in office also came amid a complaint that had been elevated from the Presidential Complaint Center to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The complaint reportedly involved allegations concerning the procurement of tuberculosis-related supplies, among other concerns.
The allegations, however, remain subject to the appropriate investigation and proceedings.
With Mercado’s appointment to the DOH, the administration will also install a new head at PhilHealth.
Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. Chief Health Officer Beverly Lorraine Ho, a former DOH official, will replace Mercado as president and CEO of the state health insurer.
The leadership changes come as the administration continues its efforts to manage the country’s healthcare system, with the DOH overseeing national health policies and programs while PhilHealth handles the government’s national health insurance program.
Photo courtesy of PCO
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