DOH ready to work with next secretary on Universal Health Care agenda

Officials of the Department of Health (DOH) are ready to work closely with its next secretary to continue its implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) agenda under the Marcos administration.

In a statement, the DOH said that it was prepared for the shift in administration on June 30. The next DOH secretary will oversee the health situation in the country which is still facing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Department is prepared for the change in administration. We shall welcome the next Secretary of Health - whoever they may be. DOH officials are eager to work closely with its next Secretary to continue the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act,” the agency said.

It underscored the importance of primary health care in making preventive measures that could ease the hospital utilization in the country, as well as the emergence of telemedicine that has been beneficial throughout the pandemic.

The DOH pointed out that the pandemic highlighted the need for “sound leadership and good governance of provincial governors and city mayors” who are responsible for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in their localities.

“There are many more lessons learned from the pandemic response, and moving forward, our transition to the new normal where UHC will help us prepare better for any future public health emergencies,” the DOH said.

It was in February 2019 when President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the UHC Act, which guarantees that all Filipinos will have equal access to quality and affordable goods and services in healthcare.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday said it signed a joint circular with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on operationalizing their respective allocations to fund the UHC.

President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has yet to name the next health chief who will replace Secretary Francisco Duque III.

The Philippine Medical Association said on Wednesday that it was endorsing National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 medical adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa to serve as the next Health secretary, citing his experience and expertise in Health Care Systems, Public Health, Hospital Administration, Trauma Surgery, Emergency and Disaster Medicine.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvana, who is also a member of the DOH Technical Advisory Group, earlier declined to comment on whether the Marcos camp has tapped him as the next Health chief. —NB, GMA News