Mothers care for their babies as they attend the Department of Health launching of Vax-Baby-Vax, a 10-day Intensive Routine Catch-up Immunization program, which aims to catch-up in the delay or lack of vaccine among infants because of Covid-19 restrictions the past two years, at the Lakeshore in Taguig City on November 7, 2022. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — Newly-appointed Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. plans to convene a "council of elders" composed of former health secretaries to help steer the Department of Health (DOH), as he pledged to build on the Marcos administration's healthcare agenda by expanding zero-balance billing, strengthening preventive care, and reducing patients' out-of-pocket expenses.
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Pujalte said the DOH's longstanding and complex challenges require the experience and guidance of former agency chiefs.
"Matagal ko nang naiisip 'yon sapagkat napakarami at napakalalim ng problema ng DOH," Pujalte said.
He said he intends to invite former health secretaries, including Rep. Janette Garin and Esperanza Cabral, as well as Dr. Jimmy Galvez Tan, among others, to serve as advisers.
"Ang balak ko talaga ay ipresenta sa kanila ang mga problema ng DOH, at ano ang kanilang mga suggestions o mga solusyon na maaari naming ilapat sa DOH," he said.
Pujalte clarified that while he will have the final say on major policy decisions, he intends to regularly seek the group's advice.
PRIORITIES
The incoming health chief said his priority is to intensify existing health programs under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rather than overhaul them.
During the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos highlighted efforts to reduce the financial burden on Filipinos seeking medical care, including expanding PhilHealth benefits, strengthening preventive healthcare, and improving access to medicines and public health services.
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The President also highlighted the government's push to lower out-of-pocket healthcare spending and bring quality services closer to communities.
Pujalte said his flagship approach will be anchored on what he calls "Pasyente Muna,” which aims to prioritize patients above all else.
He particularly cited the continued expansion of zero-balance billing, which allows eligible patients to leave public hospitals without paying hospital bills.
"Sabi nga ng mga Amerikano, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Kaya ang kasunod nito ay paigtingin pa natin ‘yung programa na tumutulong sa taumbayan," he said.
He added that he wants to expand the implementation of zero-balance billing and the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program to more facilities, including local government-run hospitals.
Working closely with PhilHealth president Edwin Mercado, Pujalte said the administration aims to further reduce patients' out-of-pocket expenses.
He said more hospitals are already implementing zero-balance billing, while PhilHealth continues to expand benefit packages, including outpatient services and annual medicine coverage worth up to P20,000 for essential medicines used to treat diseases such as diabetes, infections, and other chronic illnesses.
Pujalte also acknowledged PhilHealth's unpaid obligations to some private hospitals.
He disclosed that the PhilHealth board recently discussed a payment plan to settle pending claims.
"Asahan natin na ang ating PhilHealth ay babayaran ang mga dapat bayaran," he said.
Pujalte also said the DOH and PhilHealth will broaden screening services under the YAKAP program.
Beyond cancer screening, the agency plans to include screening for kidney, thyroid, and liver diseases.
"Prevention is better than cure," Pujalte said.
He also encouraged Filipinos to take greater responsibility for their health through adequate sleep, healthier diets, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation in alcohol consumption, and maintaining strong social relationships.
‘PATIENT FIRST’
An orthopedic surgeon by profession, Pujalte said he understands the concerns of healthcare workers, recalling that he previously joined employees opposing the privatization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center.
Still, he stressed that patient welfare must remain the top priority.
"Naiintindihan ko sila, pero ibabato ko sa kanila na pasyente muna bago ang mga rights o mga hiling ng mga health workers," he said.
He added that his office will maintain an open-door policy for employees.
MANAGEMENT
Pujalte also said he plans to change the department's management style by empowering regional directors and program heads to speak publicly on issues affecting their respective areas.
He said officials on the ground are often in the best position to explain emergencies and local health concerns.
"Hindi natin sila bubusalan at bibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataon na magsalita para sa Department of Health," he said.
As he begins his tenure, Pujalte cautioned the public against expecting immediate results.
"Unti-unti nating sinusuri at pinag-aaralan ang problema ng DOH... wala pong instant solution," he said.
"I call this a work in progress. Dahan-dahan po nating pagagalingin ang serbisyo ng DOH para ramdam ng tao sa buong Pilipinas,” he added.
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