By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The government’s overhaul of the leadership of the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) could finally restore stability to the country’s Universal Health Care (UHC) program, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said.
Escudero welcomed the appointment of Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new health secretary, saying the leadership transition provides the DOH with the clear direction needed to prevent disruptions in the implementation of major health reforms.
The senator had earlier urged Malacañang to address the leadership uncertainty at the health department, warning that prolonged instability could undermine the continuity and execution of the government’s UHC agenda.
With Mercado now taking charge, Escudero said the DOH should be able to move forward with greater clarity and stability.
“We welcome the new appointment and we wish the newly appointed Health Secretary, Dr. Edwin Mercado, all the best as he takes on his new role as the administration’s chief implementer of its health programs,” Escudero said.
He also backed the appointment of Beverly Lorraine Ho as the new president and chief executive officer of PhilHealth, describing the move as a critical complement to the DOH leadership transition.
Ho brings extensive public health and government experience to the state health insurer. She currently serves as chief health officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. and previously held senior positions at the DOH, including as an undersecretary and deputy spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Escudero said Ho’s background makes her well positioned to help steer PhilHealth through reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s UHC system.
“Dr. Ho’s appointment to PhilHealth further strengthens our UHC reforms. She has sufficient experience in public health and governance to continue implementing the reforms that the system needs,” he said.
The appointments come as the administration faces the continuing challenge of turning UHC from a policy commitment into more accessible, affordable and reliable health services for Filipinos.
For Escudero, putting permanent leadership in place at both the DOH and PhilHealth is an important first step toward ensuring that the country’s health-care reforms do not lose momentum amid changes in government leadership.
The senator said the focus should now shift from resolving leadership questions to delivering results — particularly in improving health-care access and ensuring that the benefits promised under UHC reach Filipinos nationwide.
ia/xf
