Former Health Secretary and Deputy Speaker Janette L. Garin welcomed the appointment of Dr. Jose Brittanio “Brix” S. Pujalte Jr. as health secretary, expressing confidence that his leadership would strengthen the Department of Health and help rebuild public trust in the agency.
Before his appointment, Pujalte served as Medical Center Chief II at the Philippine Orthopedic Center, where he led initiatives to improve hospital services and advance specialized healthcare.
“I warmly congratulate Secretary Brix Pujalte on his appointment. I have worked with him before, and I have seen firsthand his professionalism, competence, and genuine commitment to public service,” Garin said.
Garin recalled working with Pujalte in opposing the privatization of government specialty hospitals, saying they shared the belief that specialized medical services must remain accessible to all Filipinos, especially low-income patients who rely on public health institutions.
“We fought together to keep our specialty hospitals public because we firmly believed that quality specialized healthcare should remain accessible to every Filipino, particularly the poor who depend on government health institutions,” she said.
She said Pujalte was taking over the DOH at a critical time, following challenges that had affected both the department’s operations and public confidence.
“The DOH has gone through many challenges over the past years. Various issues have inevitably weighed down the institution and affected public confidence,” Garin said.
She expressed optimism that Pujalte would advance President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s health agenda by reinforcing primary healthcare, improving public health services, and ensuring that government health programs reach underserved communities.
Garin said Pujalte’s experience in hospital administration, public health, and the academe had prepared him to lead the department and address the country’s pressing healthcare concerns.
She also stressed the need for stronger coordination among the DOH, Congress, local government units, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to improve the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.
Garin assured Pujalte of her support for reforms to expand access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.
“I extend my best wishes to Secretary Brix Pujalte as he assumes this important responsibility. I look forward to working with him in advancing reforms that will bring quality healthcare closer to every Filipino family,” she said.