The Department of Health (DOH) has expressed its approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The announcement was made in Manila, where Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who also serves as the chair of the PhilHealth Board of Directors, shared his enthusiasm about collaborating with Mercado. In his statement, Herbosa extended gratitude to President Marcos for the appointment and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing PCEO, Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr., while expressing eagerness to work with Mercado soon.
Dr. Mercado, an orthopedic surgeon, completed his medical education and training at the UP College of Medicine – Philippine General Hospital. He further enhanced his qualifications with a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and another in global health delivery from the Harvard School of Medicine. Since March 2021, Mercado has been the vice chairperson of the Mercado General Hospital/Qualimed Health Network and has been actively involved in health economics, particularly in support of the Universal Health Care Act.
The swearing-in ceremony for Mercado took place in Malacañang on Tuesday morning, in the presence of President Marcos. PhilHealth, in its own statement, welcomed Mercado’s appointment and pledged full support as he assumes leadership of the organization. The agency expressed confidence in Mercado’s extensive medical experience and leadership skills, anticipating that PhilHealth will continue to effectively implement the National Health Insurance Program and advance the goals of Universal Health Care for all Filipinos.
PhilHealth also recognized the efforts of Ledesma, highlighting the reforms implemented during his tenure, particularly in improving claims payments and enhancing benefits over the past two years.