President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially appointed Dr. Jose S. Pujalte Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), tasked with further strengthening the nation’s healthcare system and ensuring quality medical services for all Filipinos.
The announcement was made during a Palace press briefing by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. Dr. Pujalte succeeds outgoing Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who tendered his resignation due to health reasons.
“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. (“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. today appointed Dr. Jose S. Pujalte Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health, bringing with him extensive experience and exceptional leadership as a doctor, hospital administrator, teacher, and public servant with over three decades of advancing public health.”)
Dr. Pujalte brings more than 30 years of robust experience in medicine, hospital administration, academia, and public service to his new cabinet role.
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Clinical & Administrative Roots: He joined the DOH in 1991 and completed his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 1994.
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Academic Credentials: He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and holds a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
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Leadership & Education: Recognized as a Career Executive Service Eligible (CESE) in 2008, Dr. Pujalte has balanced medical practice with public administration. He has also shaped the next generation of medical professionals as a faculty member at UP Manila, the FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and the San Beda College of Medicine.
Under Dr. Pujalte’s leadership, the DOH is expected to accelerate the Marcos administration’s core health priorities: bolstering national healthcare infrastructure, expanding public access to premium medical services, and driving better health outcomes across the archipelago.
“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.
