Rappler
Private hospitals’ group asks Duterte to replace Duque as health chief
Private hospitals are asking President Duterte to replace Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, believing he is exhausted and unable to effectively lead the country's COVID-19 response.
The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP) formally requested the President via a letter on May 25 to appoint a new health secretary.
PHAP President Rustico Jimenez cited issues with PhilHealth's interim reimbursement mechanism (IRM) as a key reason, stating that most hospitals are financially drained while awaiting promised funds.
Jimenez expressed that the association has had enough of Duque's promises and believes 'fresh blood and a fresh mind' are needed at the Department of Health (DOH).
This request follows Duque's recent false claims about the COVID-19 contagion, which were contradicted by several government officials.
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