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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Private hospitals ask Duterte to replace 'exhausted' Health chief

Private hospitals ask Duterte to replace 'exhausted' Health chief

Published May 25, 2020 12:00 am
By Betheena Unite An association of private hospitals in the country appealed to President Duterte Monday to appoint a new health secretary “who can deliver the goods better” in leading the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (CZAR DANCEL / MANILA BULLETIN) Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (CZAR DANCEL / MANILA BULLETIN) Through a letter sent to the President on May 25, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPi) requested the replacement of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, saying that “they have enough of the promises” of Duque as head of the Department of Health and its attached agencies. “Just to cite among the most important one, our members are given the run around by PhilHealth when asked about the interim reimbursement mechanism (IRM),” PHAPi President Rustico Jimenez said. “Although some have already received their share, most, however, are now so financially drained as they are still waiting for the promised IRM,” Jimenez lamented. This prompted the 744 member-hospitals of the association to request for the replacement of Duque and “appoint someone who can deliver the goods better in addressing the health concerns of the country.” Jimenez added that the association believes that the health secretary “is already exhausted” and that “fresh blood and a fresh mind” should replace Duque to lead the country’s health department. The health secretary was asked for a statement but has yet to issue one as of this posting.
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