Many doctors are really angry with Dr. Ted Herbosa, the current head of the Department of Health (DoH). After being questioned by Senator Raffy Tulfo on alleged unethical practices reportedly being undertaken by big pharmas, some doctors accuse Herbosa of unleashing his former adviser, Dr. Tony Leachon, to hit a small Pinoy pharma, Bell-Kenz, to divert attention from their big pharma friends.

Everyone knows how close Herbosa is to Leech-on, err, Leachon. The fact that Leachon now directly accuses Bell Kenz of impropriety and the DOH announced that it intends to conduct an internal investigation. See link: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1933336/doh-to-probe-docs-pharma-firm-over-marketing-scheme.

Leachon does not hide that he was once a Pfizer guy for several years and hob-nobs with Unilab people especially their Operations Vice President Dumpit. So, if Leachon is the “real deal”, then why is he seen or being seen with top honchos in the pharma industry? Hindi ba “conflict of interest” as a public health advocate? By the way, in a Congressional hearing, Leachon’s credentials were exposed. This internist does not have a forensic or epidemiologist degree or even a Masters in Public Health degree, yet he so loudly participates in public discussions on several public health issues. Some would say, well, it’s his right to speak. Unfortunately, though, Leachon seems oblivious to the effects of his erroneous claims. Look at what he did with the Dengvaxia controversy? He and his buddy, Herbosa, created what is now infamously known as the Dengvaxia vaccine scare.

Curiously, Herbosa responded to Leech-on’s allegations with the swiftness of an eagle—or as what many of us says—“mas mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro.” Surprising, is’nt? The department has sooo many problems, yet, when it comes with protecting the hide of some pharmas, Herbosa acts as if he’s really seriously worried. Pertussi cases are on the rise, many are dying of heat stroke, many health workers getting a pittance for their services and abuses are being committed left and right in his department and here we see our Secretary, doing probably nothing to address these issues. Pero, when it comes to big pharmas….

We now ask the President—why did you appoint this guy? Some medical doctors are really pissed off with this administration because of what Herbosa is doing.

What credibility does he have left to adjudicate or mediate fairly on this issue when everyone knows how close he is with the accuser, Dr. Leech-on, err, Leachon?

As concerned citizens, it is imperative that we re-evaluate Secretary Herbosa’s performance. Perhaps, it is time to consider a more competent individual to lead the health department. We need leaders who prioritize the public’s health over personal relationships and who can steer us away from unnecessary alarmism.

So, Mr. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Junior–will you or not not act about this, the mess slowly created by your alter-ego, Dr. Herbosa?