Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has appointed Dr. Tony Leachon as the DOH’s new special adviser for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Leachon, who is an internist and cardiologist at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital, was highly commended by Herbosa.
The term NCDs refers to a group of conditions that are not mainly caused by an acute infection, result in long-term health consequences,
and often create a need for long-term treatment and care. These conditions include cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and
chronic lung illnesses.
“Together, we continue to move steadfastly in further realizing Universal Healthcare. With the aid of Dr. Leachon, we will ensure that
each Filipino will feel the efforts of the DOH,” Herbosa said in a statement.
Dr. Leachon served as a special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19 in 2020 to which he resigned citing differences with
the health department’s policies and apparent lack of urgency in dealing with the pandemic.
“I am so honored to have the trust of our Health Secretary and be recognized for our collaborative work through the years. It’s about
time to work together to meet the huge challenges in healthcare,” Leachon wrote in a tweet.
The new special adviser for non-communicable diseases emphasized that he wishes to reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases in the country.