Doc Leachon: I can help this country in many different ways
“I CAN help this country in many different ways.”
Thus, said Dr. Tony Leachon who recently resigned as the Department of Health’s Special Adviser for non-communicable diseases under the leadership of DOH Sec. Teodoro Herbosa.
In an interview, Leachon clarified his reasons for joining Dr. Herbosa. He stressed it was not to boost his public image nor the desire for personal gain or power.
“It is interesting to note that as doctors, we have to do what we ought to do especially during emergency cases. Hindi ka pwede maglaro ng politics. You cannot play politics when in the act of treating a patient. And when you have done your job, we do not broadcast everything over a megaphone. ” He said.
Although he opted to resign due to the pressure received by Herbosa during the budget deliberations of the DOH at the House of Representatives last week when Rep. Janette Garin from Iloilo, who was also a former Health Secretary, questioned Leachon’s expertise on public health.
“I was inspired by President Marcos Jr., when he asked medical practitioners (doctors, nurses) to help improve the delivery of medical services in our country. His vision and ambition to improve our health care services through collaboration towards a progressive Philippines. Sabi nga ng Pangulong Marcos jr., “where no one will be left behind,” Leachon said as he admitted that this was the turning point of his decision to join Sec. Herbosa when the DOH chief asked him.
Leachon said he decided to resign after consulting his wife and children and realizing that he does not deserve to be maligned in public.
“I want to help this country. I am very sincere in my work and passionate in what I do. But I don’t think I will play the game. I will just do my job for now because I believe that someone greater than us will do the work and guide our hands.”
He shrugged off all the negative comments hurled at him by saying that everyone is entitled to their opinion but the most important thing is knowing yourself better.
“Politics is like the weather. What is going to happen is going to happen. Be prepared for both rain and sunshine. The President is right in pushing for unity among us. Divisiveness will not help any of us. Time to move on and help this country.” Leachon said.
“Maraming kritiko sa paligid. They will label you according to their limited understanding. Even President Marcos jr., was maligned but that did not stop him at all. He is working very hard for our country. I will not defend myself to anyone. I will help my country in my own small way. My family at this point is my strength and their support for me is what I needed most.” he said.
Leachon emphasized his core values of honor, integrity, courage, honesty and service to the people as well as his self-respect and respect for others as well.
“I want DOH Chief Ted Herbosa to be formally appointed. He is deserving. Masipag siyang tao at magaling. He is sincere too. And I will not hesitate to help the DOH in the future.” he said.
Leachon, an independent health reform advocate is a respected internal medicine specialist and cardiologist at Manila Doctors’ Hospital and had previously served as an adviser to the Covid-19 task force during the Duterte administration.
