Concepcion proposes Salvaña or Herbosa as next DOH chief

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion is proposing the appointment of Dr. Edsel Salvaña or Dr. Ted Herbosa, who currently provide medical advice to the government, as the next secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) to sustain gains in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement yesterday, Concepcion made the suggestion to president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. so as to continue efforts started under the current administration.

“As we all try to put the COVID-19 pandemic under control, the incoming head of the DOH will play an important role to achieve that goal,” Concepcion said.

Salvaña is a member of the DOH Technical Advisory Group and director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the National Institutes of Health at the University of the Philippines - Manila.

Herbosa is a medical adviser of the National Task Force against COVID-19.

Concepcion said Salvaña and Herbosa have provided the current administration with expert advice on how to contain the pandemic.

“I believe that with either of them at the DOH helm will help the government keep COVID-19 under control and maintain our health in good standing, which will keep our economy running at full capacity,” the Go Negosyo founder added.

He also suggested that molecular biologist and OCTA Research fellow Fr. Nicanor Austriaco be tasked to head the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

For Concepcion, Austriaco’s vast experience in the field of science and technology will complement the DOH’s COVID-19 campaign.

“I have worked with all three, and I have to say that they are all qualified for the DOH and DOST positions,” Concepcion said.

He emphasized that shutting down the economy is not an option for the country, given its debt level and the capital needed to continue projects under the outgoing Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program.

“Growth is a must. Failure to do so will be extremely bad for the Philippines,” Concepcion said, noting that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are hoping and looking forward to greater prosperity under the incoming administration.

Concepcion had earlier lauded Marcos’ move to name Alfredo Pascual as incoming secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Concepcion said Pascual is an excellent choice and shows Marcos’ commitment to provide ample support for MSMEs.

Hospital group backs call

Meanwhile, the medical community yesterday gave its support for Concepcion’s call for Marcos to appoint Salvaña or Herbosa as health chief.

“They are both competent and deserving,” Philippine Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said in reaction to Concepcion’s suggestion.

Salvaña had previously declined to comment on reports that he is being eyed by the incoming Marcos administration to replace outgoing Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

Filipino Nurses United president Maristela Abenojar said the next administration must choose as health chief one who has a good track record in serving the people.

“The person should have public health expertise and should be prompt, quick in action and hardworking,” Abenojar added.

She also stressed that the next DOH chief should be incorruptible and ready to listen to health workers. – Mayen Jaymalin