The Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) expressed opposition to the appointment of Teodoro Herbosa, secretary of the Department of Health (DoH) of the Philippines, as president of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA). The assembly was held from May 19 to May 27 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The WHA is the main decision-making institution of the World Health Organization (WHO), which has 194 member states. A United Nations agency, the WHO is responsible for promoting and coordinating global public health, including setting international health standards, providing technical assistance to countries, and other similar tasks.

According to HEAD, Herbosa is unfit for the position because the WHA needs a leader who is committed to service and the people and has proven to uphold the right to health. “Not someone who will serve as an instrument of big business interests,” the group said.

The group believes that Herbosa will push for global health policies that further privatize health services to the detriment of the poor worldwide.

The group stated that WHA’s reputation and mission may be put at risk if the incoming health secretary is an official who has been widely condemned in his own country for implementing programs against the people and health workers, as well as for unethical statements and actions.

Since Herbosa assumed office as secretary of the DoH of the Philippines in June 2023, he has faced criticism for his failed health policies and lack of action on the grievances of health workers.

“In the Philippines, Dr Herbosa spearheads the implementation of Marcos Jr’s pro-imperialist, pro-big business policies,” according to HEAD. The secretary promotes commercialization, privatization of health services, and health budget cuts, it said.

Herbosa approved and recommended to the DoH the privatization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC), Dr. Jose Fabella Medical Center, and other public hospitals in 2013 and 2014. These moves were widely opposed and blocked by public protests. He also faced a complaint before the Ombudsman in 2016 for graft, together with other health officials, in connection with the anomalous purchase of equipment for the ₱392.2-million modernization program of the Region 1 Medical Center.

He also served as an adviser to the Inter Agency Task Force of the Duterte administration during the Covid-19 pandemic, which implemented an ineffective and militarized pandemic response. The group added that he belittles the problems and sacrifices of health workers. He is also involved in Red-tagging of mass leaders in the country.

HEAD called on all health workers, health advocates, and people around the world to fight for the right to health. “Let us not allow the further privatization and domination of big business interests in health promoted by the likes of Dr. Herbosa,” it said.