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DR. PUJALTE JR. NAMED NEW DOH SECRETARY

admin July 14, 2026

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Dr. Jose S. Pujalte Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) to further strengthen the country’s healthcare system, ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services, and promote better health outcomes for all Filipinos.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Pujalte is expected to bring to the DOH his more than three decades of experience as a physician, hospital administrator, educator, and public servant dedicated to advancing public healthcare.

“Itinalaga ng Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ngayong araw bilang Kalihim ng Department of Health si Dr. Jose S. Pujalte Jr., baon ang malawak na karanasan at natatanging pamumuno bilang doktor, hospital administrator, guro, at lingkod-bayan na may mahigit na tatlong dekada sa pagsusulong ng pampublikong pangkalusugan,” Castro said.

Castro said Pujalte will replace outgoing Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who tendered his resignation due to health reasons.

The Palace Press Officer noted that Pujalte joined the DOH in 1991 and completed his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 1994. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and later obtained a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

In 2008, Pujalte was recognized as a Career Executive Service Eligible, reflecting his competence in both medicine and public administration, and served as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Manila, FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and San Beda College of Medicine.

According to Castro, Pujalte is expected to lead the DOH in continuing the Marcos administration’s efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, improve access to quality health services, and promote better health outcomes for all Filipinos.

“Sa kaniyang pagpasok sa DOH, inaasahang pangungunahan ni Dr. Pujalte Jr. ang ahensya sa pagpapatuloy ng mga hakbang ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. upang higit na mapatatag ang healthcare system ng bansa, maisulong ang de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan at maisulong ang mabuting kalusugan para sa lahat,” Castro added.