PHAPI urges Duque to resign; PHAP asks Duterte to replace him

The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) urged Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to resign on Tuesday, May 26.

PHAPI President Dr. Rustico Jimenez said Duque appeared overwhelmed by his duties and was overlooking some issues.

Jimenez suggested that if Duque feels the tension, he should step down to make way for a younger and more active leader.

On Monday, May 25, PHAP asked President Rodrigo Duterte to replace Duque as health chief and PhilHealth chairman due to delays in Interim Reimbursement Mechanism payments to hospitals.

The group emphasized the need for someone who can better address the country's health concerns, especially amid issues with DOH’s coronavirus response and PhilHealth testing packages.