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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider New DOH chief vows continuous delivery of quality healthcare services

New DOH chief vows continuous delivery of quality healthcare services

Published Jul 14, 2026 06:29 pm

At A Glance

  • The new DOH chief said he looks forward to working closely with the Department of Health workforce, government partners, and the private sector to build on existing gains and further improve healthcare for every Filipino.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Newly appointed Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Jose Brittanio “Brix” S. Pujalte Jr. on Tuesday, July 14, vowed to ensure the continuous delivery of quality healthcare services, saying his administration will prioritize strengthening the country’s public health system and supporting healthcare workers.
“The health of our people is our highest priority. Beginning today, my full focus will be on ensuring the continuous delivery of quality healthcare services, strengthening our public health system, and supporting our healthcare workers,” he said in a statement.
Pujalte expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence bestowed on him by President Marcos.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence bestowed upon me by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to serve every Filipino,” he said.
The new DOH chief said he looks forward to working closely with the Department of Health workforce, government partners, and the private sector to build on existing gains and further improve healthcare for every Filipino.
“Panahon na para mag banat ng buto para sa ating kababayan (It is time to work hard for our fellow Filipinos),” he said.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
On July 13, President Marcos appointed Pujalte, the Medical Center chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC), as DOH secretary following the resignation of Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, who left the post to focus on his recovery after undergoing a recent medical procedure.
Herbosa had been at the helm of the Department of Health for more than three years, serving since June 2023.
Professional background
An orthopedic surgeon by profession, Pujalte obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital in 1990 before entering the Philippine Orthopedic Center as an orthopedic resident in 1994. 
Also, he served as a medical columnist for the Manila Bulletin from 1998 to 2021 and was president of the Philippine Orthopedic Association in 2009.
He has headed the country’s premier orthopedic hospital as Medical Center Chief since July 14, 2014. 
Under his leadership, the POC opened a new six-story hospital building in 2022, providing patients with access to modern orthopedic diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services through PhilHealth benefits under the Universal Health Care Act.

Related Tags

Department of Health Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr DOH Secretary public health system healthcare services healthcare workers Philippines health sector healthcare reform medical leadership Philippine government
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