By Myris Lee
Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salavana said he prefers to focus on the country’s COVID-19 response amid talks on the appointment of the country’s next health chief.
During the Laging Handa briefing on Monday, May 16, he was asked about the rumors that he could be appointed as the next secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) under the incoming administration.
“May naririnig rin po akong ganiyan. Siguro, sa ngayon ay ‘no comment’ na lang po muna ako. Let’s go through the official channels kung mayroon man,” he said.
“I would rather focus on our COVID prevention and control right now. Nananatili naman po ako sa Technical Advisory Group ng Department of Health at ibinibigay ko po [ang] lahat ng nalalaman ko tungkol sa pandemya dahil tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ito,” he added.
Salvana, meanwhile, urged the next administration to continue with the country’s “best practices” in addressing COVID-19 to prevent another case resurgence.
“It’s very important na we keep our eye on the ball talaga na hindi po talaga natin titigilan itong mga efforts natin to eliminate COVID-19 in the Philippines and continue to control it until to a point where komportable na tayo na kahit i-decrease natin itong mga remaining restrictions ay hindi na talaga aakyat pa,” he said. – ag
