Dr. Anthony Leachon and former DOH Secretary and now House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin (right) of Iloilo.
By Junex Doronio
PARTING IS SUCH A SWEET SORROW, as William Shakespeare said through his character Juliet, but the Department of Health (DoH) has to let Dr. Anthony Leachon go.
On Thursday, the DOH said the agency “respects and confirms [the] withdrawal of Dr. Anthony Leachon as health special adviser for non-communicable diseases” who was earlier “mercilessly grilled” by former DOH Secretary and now House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin representing Iloilo.
The Ilongga lawmaker, however, clarified that her scrutiny of Leachon’s qualifications was not a personal attack.
“This is not a personal matter concerning Leachon,” Garin quipped.
But the DOH has only good words for Leachon.
“Among many other well meaning friends of the Department, Internist and Cardiologist Dr. Anthony Leachon volunteered his time and effort to assist on noncommunicable diseases. The Department is grateful for this expression of support,” the DOH said in a statement.
The DOH also pointed out that all offers of assistance and support are worth considering, especially if they will benefit every Filipino.
“The Department admires the good doctor’s wish to refocus on family, and remains open to any and all good intentions of assistance, as we all march forward united towards Universal Health Care (UHC),” the statement further said. (ai/mnm)
