DOH defends Duque quip calling COVID-19 pandemic ‘blessing in disguise’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III after he called the COVID-19 pandemic a “blessing in disguise” as it supposedly expedited the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law (UHC).

In an online media forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that Duque was referring to the pandemic as a ”trigger” that allowed the speedy implementation of the UHC which aims to ensure all Filipinos have access to quality and affordable health services.

“Universal Healthcare is a major reform in the country. Ang reforms naguumpisa ‘yan based on different triggers and based on different circumstances. Itong pandemic, iyan ‘yung parang naging trigger para mas mafacilitate ang pagpapatupad,” Vergeire said.

“Ang ibig sabihin ng ating Secretary of Health, itong pandemic has triggered a more expeditious processing of what we have to implement for Universal healthcare Law,” she added.

In a recent webinar hosted by the University of the Philippines, Duque said that despite the challenges brought by the pandemic to the country’s healthcare system, it has helped in accelerating the implementation of the landmark law and it has put a spotlight on the urgent need to introduce health reforms.

“This (COVID-19 pandemic) can also be some kind of blessing in disguise, serendipitous. Kasi parang na-accelerate (it was somehow accelerated) iyong universal healthcare because of COVID-19. It is a catalyst,” Duque said on Friday during the University of the Philippines’ webinar #18 titled, “Keeping Our Health Care Workers Safe: The Philippine General Hospital Experience.”

This was not the first time Duque’s remarks on the pandemic has rankled the public.

In May, the Health chief was condemned for announcing that the Philippines was already experiencing its second wave of COVID-19 infections.

He also drew fierce criticisms for claiming that the country has successfully flattened the pandemic curve even as the confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to increase on a daily basis.

Despite these, Malacañang said President Rodrigo Duterte continues to trust his Health Secretary.

EDV