President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed orthopedic surgeon Jose Pujalte Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) to further strengthen the country’s healthcare system, ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services, and promote better health outcomes for all Filipinos.

He replaced Teodoro Herbosa, who underwent surgery on both his knees on July 7. Herbosa, in his letter of resignation, cited his long rehabilitation as a reason in leading the DOH which he headed since 2023.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Pujalte is expected to bring to the DOH his more than three decades of experience as a physician, hospital administrator, educator, and public servant dedicated to advancing public healthcare.

“Itinalaga ng Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ngayong araw bilang Kalihim ng Department of Health si Dr. Jose S. Pujalte Jr., baon ang malawak na karanasan at natatanging pamumuno bilang doktor, hospital administrator, guro, at lingkod-bayan na may mahigit na tatlong dekada sa pagsusulong ng pampublikong pangkalusugan,” Castro said.

Castro said Pujalte joined the DOH in 1991 and completed his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 1994. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and later obtained a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

According to Castro, Pujalte is expected to lead the DOH in continuing the Marcos administration’s efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, improve access to quality health services, and promote better health outcomes for all Filipinos. PHS-Presidential News Desk