Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa is on medical leave after undergoing knee replacement surgery, the Department of Health (DoH) said Saturday.

DoH Undersecretary Albert Domingo said Herbosa began his leave on 6 July and is now recovering after a successful operation.

“The procedure went well, and he is now undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation,” Domingo said.

In a Facebook post, Herbosa shared a photo of himself wearing a shirt bearing the words, “New knee, new me.”

While Herbosa is on leave, Domingo has been designated officer in charge of the department.

Domingo said such temporary designations are standard practice whenever a Cabinet secretary is unavailable.

“Designating the chief of staff as officer in charge is routine. It is neither a secret nor something controversial,” he said.

“This is the second or third time I’ve served as OIC. It happens across government departments whenever a secretary is temporarily unavailable and ends upon his or her return.”

The DoH did not say when Herbosa is expected to resume his duties.