ILOILO City – Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is contemplating a change in the name of the Department of Health (DOH) to “Department of Health and Wellness”.
DOH Region 6 director Dr. Adriano Suba-an said such initiative, if pursued, could help make the department more responsive to current health needs.
DOH is tasked with formulating health policies, overseeing public health services, and promoting public health awareness and education across the nation.
Suba-an explained that DOH’s goal is to close existing gaps in health service delivery, especially in terms of health promotion and maintaining wellness.
Suba-an further revealed that Secretary Herbosa has advocated for establishing wellness centers in all Community Health Departments (CHDs) across the country.
These centers are intended to address emergency medical needs of healthcare workers.
“We have over 500 staff, and it is essential to have a clinic,” said Suba-an.
He recalled instances in DOH offices where employees needed emergency health services after suffering from conditions like high blood pressure and other illnesses, exposing the unpreparedness of some CHDs and underscoring the importance of having well-equipped wellness centers.
Herbosa also plans to change his official title from Secretary of Health to “Chief Longevity Officer” to shift the focus from merely responding to illnesses to promoting healthy lifestyles among Filipinos.
“Previously, the DOH was mostly sought after when someone fell ill. Now, we want to also teach people about health promotion. How to maintain good health is essential,” Herbosa said./PN
