NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Marcos Names Dr. Jose Pujalte Jr. As New DOH Secretary
Photo credit: Dr. Jose Brittanio S. Pujalte Jr.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), officially handing him the responsibility of leading the country's health agency during a period of ongoing healthcare reforms.
Pujalte, a veteran orthopedic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in public healthcare, succeeds Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, who recently stepped down from the post after announcing his resignation. Herbosa said he decided to leave the position so he could focus on recovering from bilateral knee replacement surgery without affecting the day-to-day operations of the department.
With decades of medical practice and public health experience, Pujalte is expected to oversee the implementation of the government's key health initiatives while working to improve access to quality healthcare services across the country. His appointment comes as the Department of Health continues to strengthen disease prevention programs, expand healthcare access, and enhance the delivery of medical services to communities nationwide.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the DOH as the agency continues pursuing its mandate of improving the country's healthcare system. Pujalte now takes the helm at a time when sustaining existing reforms and addressing emerging public health challenges remain among the department's top priorities.
The Palace has yet to announce additional details regarding Pujalte's immediate plans and priorities as he officially assumes leadership of the Department of Health.
Pujalte, a veteran orthopedic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in public healthcare, succeeds Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, who recently stepped down from the post after announcing his resignation. Herbosa said he decided to leave the position so he could focus on recovering from bilateral knee replacement surgery without affecting the day-to-day operations of the department.
With decades of medical practice and public health experience, Pujalte is expected to oversee the implementation of the government's key health initiatives while working to improve access to quality healthcare services across the country. His appointment comes as the Department of Health continues to strengthen disease prevention programs, expand healthcare access, and enhance the delivery of medical services to communities nationwide.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the DOH as the agency continues pursuing its mandate of improving the country's healthcare system. Pujalte now takes the helm at a time when sustaining existing reforms and addressing emerging public health challenges remain among the department's top priorities.
The Palace has yet to announce additional details regarding Pujalte's immediate plans and priorities as he officially assumes leadership of the Department of Health.
Jul 13, 2026
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