The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) acknowledged the appointment of Dr. Edwin Mercado, former president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), as the new secretary of the Department of Health (DoH).

“While we recognize Dr. Mercado’s experience in healthcare administration, hospital management, and health financing, we are also deeply concerned about the direction his leadership may take, given that much of his professional experience has been rooted in the administration, financing, and management of healthcare institutions and systems with significant private-sector dimensions. He has also been associated with Mercado General Hospital/QualiMed Health Network, a private healthcare network,” the AHW said in a statement sent to the Daily Tribune.

“It is precisely this background that makes his appointment to the DoH worthy of scrutiny, particularly at a time when the country’s healthcare system continues to face increasing privatization and commercialization,” it added.

According to AHW, this raises a legitimate concern — “will Dr. Mercado’s experience translate into a stronger public health system that puts the needs of patients and health workers first, or will it further strengthen a healthcare system where private institutions and business interests play an even greater role?”

The continuing crisis in our public healthcare system, the AHW said, also reflects deeper problems in the Marcos administration.