State of PH health care

The country's largest aggregations of medical and health practitioners have banded together in support of retaining Dr. Teodoro Herbosa as secretary of the Department of Health.

- MARY ANN LL. REYES

In a statement, the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine Hospital Association, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Hospital Administrators cited Herbosa's commitment, expertise and leadership as having been instrumental in driving progress and improving healthcare outcomes in the country.

In their open letter to President Marcos, they said that Herbosa's commitment to strengthening the country's health care system, to promoting public health initiatives, and to addressing health challenges has earned him recognition and respect from various stakeholders, both local and international, "more so when the flag of the Philippines became visible in the world map as he was elected president of the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland."

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs in its website, Herbosa's presidency of the 78th World Assembly marked a historic first for the Philippines as this is the first time that a Filipino has been elected to preside over the assembly since the World Health Organization was founded in 1948. This, it said, reflects the country's growing leadership and influence in global health diplomacy.

The four groups also pointed that in his eight-point agenda for health Philippines, Herbosa emphasized his priorities in promoting public health initiatives, implementing programs that prevent diseases, promote healthy lifestyles and protect vulnerable populations, even as he prepared the department in addressing health challenges in responding to emerging health issues such as pandemics and outbreaks.