President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Dr. Jose "Brix" S. Pujalte Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), Malacañang announced on Monday.

The appointment follows the resignation of former Health Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, who stepped down from the post due to health concerns, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed during a press briefing on July 13.

Castro said Pujalte has served as the Medical Center Chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center since 2014 and brings more than three decades of experience in public health service.

Before assuming the country's top health post, Pujalte began his career at the DOH in 1991 and completed his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 1994.

He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines and obtained a Master's degree in Hospital Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

Pujalte is also a Career Executive Service Eligible, reflecting his qualifications and experience in both medical practice and public administration.

Aside from his government service, he has taught at the University of the Philippines Manila, FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and San Beda College of Medicine.

Castro said Pujalte is expected to lead the DOH in continuing the Marcos administration's efforts to strengthen the country's healthcare system.

“Sa kanyang pagpasok sa DOH, inaasahang mangungunahan ni Dr. Pujalte Jr. ang ahensya sa pagpapatuloy ng mga hakbang ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. upang higit na mapatatag ang health care system sa bansa,” Castro said.

She added, “Maisulong ang dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan at, maisulong ang mabuting kalusugan para sa lahat."

Pujalte officially takes over the leadership of the DOH following Herbosa's resignation.