Health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon has been appointed by Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa as the new Special Adviser for Non-communicable Diseases on Friday, Aug. 11.
"Together, we continue to move steadfastly in further realizing the Universal Healthcare. With the aid of Dr. Leachon, we will ensure that Bawat Pilipino, ramdam ang kalusugan dahil sa Healthy Pilipinas, bawat buhay mahalaga (every Filipino feels healthy because in Healthy Pilipinas, every life is important)," said the health chief in a statement.
Leachon is an internist and cardiologist currently serving at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital.
He served as president of the Philippine College of Physicians and Special Adviser for National Task Covid-19.
Additionally, he was appointed director of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in 2016.
The new official was among the recipients of the Pillar of Hope award from Eton International School and the Outstanding Public Health Advocate award from the Public Attorney’s Office for his contribution to the field of health.
He was also conferred with The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award in Medicine in 2010.
Leachon graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1985 and was among the top scorers in the Professional Regulatory Commission Medical Board exam in 1986.