Dr. Teodoro Herbosa’s appointment as the new Secretary of Health (DOH) has elicited both acclaim and criticism.
The DOH, including public health expert Dr. Tony Leachon and Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) Immediate Past President Dr. Maricar Limpin, backed Herbosa in separate statements, but the Alliance of Health Workers rejected the appointment.
In an interview with DZRH’s Balansyado, Limpin said that they are happy about Dr. Herbosa’s appointment as the new DOH chief.
"Natutuwa at nagagalak kami sa pagkaka-appoint kay Dr. Ted Herbosa bilang Secretary of Health," she said.
"Alam naman nating lahat na galing siya sa DOH before," she added.
In talking about the concerns that Herbosa must prioritize, Limpin mentioned the full implementation of the Universal Health Care Law as soon as possible.
She further stated that Herbosa is already aware of the public health concern as well as the healthcare system.
"May experience siya pagdating doon sa mga problema ng mga pasyente natin," she explained.
Limpin also said that the health sector is in good hands; however, with how Herbosa will work as the DOH chief, she said that there should still be things that the people need to see how he responds to possible situations.
In a separate interview, Leachon shared that he was expecting Herbosa to be one of the two or three contenders for the appointment.
"Galing naman na siya diyan, makikinig sa tao, titingnan mo ang reaksyon ng tao," he said when asked about his expectations towards Herbosa’s leadership in DOH.
He also saw the possible issues that Herbosa might face as the new DOH secretary, including the years he need to catch up since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. only has five more years to go with his presidency.
Leachon provided suggestions for Herbosa, such as conducting a multi-sectoral summit.
"Pwede magpatawag ng multi-sectoral summit si Dr. Herbosa," he said.
"50 of different sectors and find out kung ano ang pwedeng i-contribute. From there, ma-discuss niya sa gabinete at humingi ng suporta kay PBMM," he continued.
"Pakinggan mo lang at magpakita ka by modeling na yung sipag... at ang kagawaran na ‘yan, susunod," he continued.
The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), on the other hand, was opposed to Herbosa's appointment, citing his prior move to privatize government hospitals when serving as health secretary from 2010 to 2015.
Herbosa, according to the AHW, lacks the qualities that a DOH chief should have.
The AHW said that the post requires someone who appreciates health workers' demands for higher pay and better benefits and who is dedicated to protecting and defending health workers against discrimination, intimidation, and violence.
On Monday, the Presidential Communications Office announced Herbosa's appointment as Health Secretary.
The following day, he took his oath of office before President Marcos.
