Duque to prioritize healthcare financing, responsive health system, better health outcomes

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday bared his priorities at the Department of Health.

In an interview on Unang Balita, Duque said he will focus on the following: equitable healthcare financing, responsive health system, and better health outcomes "hopefully leading to better quality of life for each Filipino."

Duque took over the DOH top post after Paulyn Ubial did not get the nod of the Commission on Appointments.

A turnover ceremony was held Monday morning between Ubial and Duque at the DOH office in Manila.

Duque also said he will strengthen the program of Philhealth as well as the DOH public health programs and hospital delivery systems.

Asked which of Ubial's programs he will continue, Duque said all of the prior programs are anchored on the three priorities he specified.

The Health secretary also said the DOH will exert efforts to lower the incidence of HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other communicable diseases.

"Sa hospital naman, pagpapahusay ng serbisyo, paglagay ng equipment para ang diagnostic ability umunlad," he said.

Duque also said mental health is important since data revealed there are more cases now of schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar and personality disorders.

"Kailangang matugunan ito," he said.

Duque also expressed support for the Philippine Mental Health Bill pending in Congress and said this should be enacted into law.

"Malaking tulong ito para mapondohan, ... matugunan ang mental health ng ating mga kababayan," he said. —KG, GMA News