(UPDATE) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Dr. Edwin Mercado, a distinguished US-trained orthopedic surgeon, as the new president and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). This move was announced by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Tuesday.
Mercado succeeded Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. as head of the state insurer and took his oath in a ceremony held at Malacañang.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new president and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Presidential Communications Office (PCO) photo
Dr. Edwin Mercado’s Background and Experience
The PCO highlighted Mercado’s proven leadership and expertise in executive and strategic planning. Prior to his appointment, Mercado served as vice chairman of the Mercado General Hospital and QualiMed Health Network since 2021.
Mercado’s tenure saw the expansion of Mercado General Hospital Inc. (MGHI) into a national network of healthcare facilities. MGHI now includes four general hospitals, six multi-specialty clinics, two surgery centers, 150 primary care corporate clinics, and a physician practice group of 400 doctors.
Born in the Philippines, Mercado graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1987 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School in 2023 and an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina in the United States.
Philanthropic and Academic Work
Mercado has dedicated his career to ensuring equitable access to quality medical care while leveraging technology to strengthen health systems, particularly in areas of financial management and primary care programs.
His advocacy work extends to partnerships with the Zuellig Family Foundation and various Department of Health Centers for Health Development. Mercado has provided technical assistance to provincial health boards on operationalizing their health care provider networks.
Mercado is a respected lecturer at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, where he teaches global supply chain, research methods, and implementation science. Additionally, he serves as a guest lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Public Health, discussing medical processes and programs.
Current Research Projects
Mercado is actively involved in several research initiatives. He is studying the cost of per-member payment for global coverage of inpatient services. Furthermore, he is conducting an ongoing study on the use of artificial intelligence as an assistive tool for community health workers delivering primary care.
Reactions from Healthcare Officials
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa expressed enthusiasm over Mercado’s appointment, highlighting his qualifications and experience in health economics, which align with the goals of the Universal Health Care Act.
Sen. Grace Poe welcomed the appointment, expressing hope that Mercado would “breathe new life” into PhilHealth, which she believes is in need of significant improvement. Poe emphasized the expectation for a more responsive, efficient, and just health care management system.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada echoed similar sentiments, hoping Mercado could “fix all the problems” within PhilHealth. Estrada noted Mercado’s lack of political affiliation as a positive attribute, suggesting it would enable him to approach challenges with objectivity.
Rep. Ciriaco Gato, chairman of the House Committee on Health, expressed optimism regarding Mercado’s leadership, stating he is eager to see positive changes in PhilHealth. Rep. Wilbert Lee, known for his critical stance on PhilHealth management, also welcomed Mercado’s appointment, expecting it to expedite the enhancement of health benefits.
Conclusion
Dr. Edwin Mercado’s appointment as the new president and CEO of PhilHealth brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the role. With his strong background in healthcare management, advocacy work, and research, Mercado is well-positioned to address the challenges facing PhilHealth and help it better serve Filipinos.
As various stakeholders voice their support and optimism for Mercado’s tenure, there is a collective hope for a more efficient and equitable health care system in the Philippines. Only time will tell if these expectations are met, but the appointment certainly marks a new chapter for PhilHealth.
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