Marcos names Dr. Jose Pujalte Jr. as new Health secretary

Pujalte joined the Department of Health in 1991 and was appointed Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 2014.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed orthopedic surgeon and veteran public health official Dr. Jose S. Pujalte Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), tasking him to continue strengthening the country’s healthcare system and expanding access to quality health services.

The announcement was made through an official infographic released by the Presidential Communications Office on Sunday.

According to Malacañang, Pujalte brings more than three decades of experience in public healthcare, hospital administration, and medical education to the country’s top health post.

Pujalte joined the Department of Health in 1991 and was appointed Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 2014, where he served as head of one of the country’s leading specialty hospitals.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Pujalte also earned a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. He is likewise a Career Executive Service eligible.

Beyond government service, Pujalte has held key leadership positions in the medical community. He previously served as president of the Philippine Orthopedic Association and the ASEAN Orthopaedic Association. He is also the founding president of the Philippine Shoulder Society and a founding member of the Philippine Spine Society.

His appointment comes as the Marcos administration continues efforts to improve healthcare delivery, enhance public health programs, and broaden Filipinos’ access to quality medical services nationwide.

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