Dr. Jose Brittanio “Brix” Pujalte Jr. formally took the helm as the new leader of the Department of Health (DOH), promising to enhance the country’s public healthcare framework and fiercely champion the welfare of medical frontliners.
Appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Pujalte officially stepped into the role following the exit of former Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, who resigned to focus on recuperating from a recent surgical intervention. Herbosa had steered the agency since June 2023.
During his first official statement, Pujalte underscored that safeguarding the public’s well-being remains his primary objective.
“The health of our people is our highest priority. Beginning today, my full focus will be on ensuring the continuous delivery of quality healthcare services, strengthening our public health system, and supporting our healthcare workers,” he declared.
The incoming health chief also conveyed his profound appreciation for the appointment.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence bestowed upon me by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to serve every Filipino.”
A seasoned public servant and orthopedic surgeon, Pujalte previously served as the Medical Center Chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC). He completed his medical degree at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital in 1990.
Throughout his extensive career, he has contributed as a columnist for the Manila Bulletin and led the Philippine Orthopedic Association as its president in 2009.
While running the POC, a position he held since 2014, he spearheaded the 2022 completion of a state-of-the-art six-story facility aimed at boosting specialized medical access under the Universal Health Care Act.
Moving forward, Pujalte plans to foster strong partnerships with the DOH workforce, the private sector, and various state agencies to sustain the progress achieved by previous leadership.
Setting a high-energy tone for his administration, he concluded with a call to action:
“Panahon na para mag banat ng buto para sa ating kababayan.”