Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr., the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) chief, as the new Health Secretary following the resignation of Dr. Teodoro 'Ted' Herbosa due to health concerns, as announced by Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated during a press briefing that Herbosa tendered his courtesy resignation after undergoing a medical procedure, citing the need for extensive rehabilitation in the coming months. Herbosa, who served as Health Secretary since June 2023, confirmed his resignation and the necessity for his rehabilitation.
Dr. Pujalte, Herbosa's successor, is an experienced orthopedic surgeon and public health administrator with over 30 years of service in the government. Since 2014, he has been the Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, a leading institution for orthopedic and rehabilitation medicine in the country. Pujalte is an alumnus of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and holds a master's degree in hospital administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. His training includes fellowships in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Pujalte has also held significant positions such as the president of the Philippine Orthopedic Association and the ASEAN Orthopaedic Association, and he was considered for the Health Secretary position in 2022 before Herbosa's appointment. Herbosa extended his congratulations to Pujalte for his new role.
In a statement released on Monday, Herbosa expressed gratitude for serving as the 30th Secretary of the Department of Health. He disclosed that he underwent successful bilateral knee replacement surgery on July 7 and emphasized the need to focus on his physical therapy and rehabilitation to avoid hindering his departmental responsibilities.
Reflecting on his tenure, Herbosa highlighted the successful implementation of several key initiatives under the Marcos administration, such as Zero Balance Billing, BUCAS centers, PuroKalusugan, PhilHealth YAKAP, and GAMOT programs. However, he acknowledged the need for further efforts to achieve the vision of a "Bagong Pilipinas" or New Philippines.
