Jose Pujalte Jr. takes oath as new Health secretary

Jose Pujalte Jr. formally took his oath as the new secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday afternoon, Malacañang announced.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administered Pujalte's oath of office.

Pujalte's appointment came after former Health Secretary Ted Herbosa submitted his courtesy resignation, citing health concerns. Herbosa reportedly recently underwent knee replacement surgery.

A career public health official, Pujalte has been with the DOH since 1991. He was appointed Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 2014.

He also served as president of both the Philippine Orthopedic Association and the ASEAN Orthopedic Association.

Pujalte is likewise the founding president of the Philippine Shoulder Society and a founding member of the Philippine Spine Society.— MCG, GMA News