Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has appointed Dr. Tony Leachon as the Department of Health’s (DOH) new special adviser for non-communicable diseases.
Leachon, internist and cardiologist at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital, was highly commended by Herbosa.
“Together, we continue to move steadfastly in further realizing the 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 by 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.
Leachon emphasized that he wishes to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
“I can help bring ideas and plans to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the Philippines and that we will be successful in contributing to a healthier country,” Leachon said.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and humility to have been appointed as special adviser for non-communicable diseases of the Department of Health by Sec. Ted Herbosa,” he said.
The former President of the Philippine College of Physicians also noted that he was honored to have Herbosa’s trust and be recognized for their collaborative work through the years.
“I hope God will guide us in our mission to be healthier together and to protect our families from sickness,” he added.
Herbosa said Leachon, will greatly help the agency in its reforms and initiatives.