MANILA, Philippines – Newly appointed Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Thursday announced a comprehensive COVID-19 exit plan and a plan to tackle tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections nationwide.
He said he would focus on responding to the situation.
Following orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
, Sec.Herbosa assumed office on June 5.
Philippine College of Physicians President Rontogene Solante supports Sec. Herbosa’s efforts to develop effective strategies to address these health issues.
“First of all, he [Marcos] said he wanted an exit plan for COVID-19 to get us out of this and move forward with the development of the new vaccines that we need, which we call bivalent vaccines.
I think our country ranks 9th in terms of the number of tuberculosis patients compared to other countries, so I would like to see it drop from the top 10.
many young people are infected with HIV.
The World Health Organization reports that our country has one of the highest infection rates and that the infection rate is increasing.
I will also focus on this with his instructions.
Sec Herbosa mentioned the government’s intentions, the funding.
DOH procurement for telemedicine and digital health.
DOH’s goal is to improve health center services and increase access to testing for diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Sec Herbosa vowed to advance universal health care through improved policies and the introduction of reforms.
He previously served as an advisor to the COVID-19 Task Force and vice president of UP.
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