Manila, July 13 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) chief Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the country's new Health Secretary following the resignation of Dr. Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, Malacanang announced Monday.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Herbosa submitted his courtesy resignation due to health reasons after recently undergoing a medical procedure.

Herbosa reportedly confirmed he had resigned and said he would undergo extensive rehabilitation for the next three to four months.

Herbosa, a physician and former Department of Health (DOH) undersecretary, was appointed Health secretary in June 2023.

His successor, Pujalte, is a veteran orthopedic surgeon a...