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Ex-DOH chief Garin defends Cascolan's appointment as health official

Philippines | National

Ex-DOH chief Garin defends Cascolan's appointment as health official

By Ellson Quismorio

Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin, a former Department of Health (DOH) secretary, doesn't have any issues with the appointment of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan as health undersecretary.

Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

"We respect the executive’s decision to appoint a non-doctor in the ," Garin said, referring to Cascolan.

"Delivery of health services is not just about doctors and scientists working together. What is equally important is reaching the grassroots and feeling their pulse," reckoned Garin, who is also a deputy majority leader and vice chairperson of the House Committee on Health.

According to her, the management skills of the retired PNP chief "has long been proven in his several years of untainted service".

"Quick and timely response during calamities as well as coordinated implementation of programs under a devolved health care, not to mention the gigantic task of logistics and planning, are important factors in DOH," she added.

Garin noted that while scientists and doctors play very important roles, "non-medical managers are likewise needed to put order and implement programs".

"Technical inputs usually provided by doctors and scientists. In fact some Ministers of Health in other countries are non- doctors," she pointed out.

She also called on Filipinos to "allow the government to proceed with its tasks".

"Surely, each step the executive is undertaking, is supported by a well-planned design to make government more responsive to the needs of the people. Disciplined leadership with a heart is likewise important in making healthcare felt by every Filipino family," the Iloilo solon further said.

Garin served as DOH secretary from 2015 to 2016 during the administration of the late former president Benigno S. Aquino III.

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