By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — A sudden change at the Department of Health (DOH) is underway after Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. resigned barely a month into the job, with Malacañang saying health concerns prompted his decision to leave.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had accepted Pujalte’s resignation, describing it as voluntary and linked to his health.
Pujalte was appointed health secretary on July 13, succeeding Ted Herbosa, who also stepped down from the Cabinet post after citing health reasons. His departure means he spent less than a month at the helm of the country’s primary health agency.
His short tenure was marked by controversy, including questions surrounding new DOH policies and allegations involving gambling. Health advocates and workers also brought their concerns to the Office of the Ombudsman, asking for Pujalte’s dismissal over what they described as a questionable decision to suspend the procurement of tuberculosis medicines and other TB commodities.
With Pujalte out, Marcos has designated Dr. Edwin Mercado to lead the DOH.
Mercado brings extensive experience in healthcare management and public health. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines in 1987 and later pursued graduate studies in healthcare administration in the United States.
He obtained an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina and, in 2023, completed a Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery at Harvard Medical School.
Before taking on senior government responsibilities, Mercado served as vice chairman of Mercado General Hospital/Qualimed Health Network beginning in 2021. He has also worked with the Zuellig Family Foundation and various DOH Centers for Health Development.
The Presidential Communications Office said Mercado provided technical assistance to provincial health boards in setting up and operating healthcare provider networks.
His appointment places him at the center of efforts to ensure continuity in the DOH’s programs while the agency deals with ongoing concerns over medicine procurement, healthcare services and public trust.
elamigo/xf
