Dr. Edwin Mercado Appointed as New PhilHealth Chief

Dr. Edwin Mercado Takes the Helm as New PhilHealth Chief

EDWIN MERCADO – Dr. Edwin Mercado has been officially appointed as the new chief of PhilHealth, bringing his expertise and leadership to the state health insurer.

In a significant move aimed at strengthening the country’s health insurance system, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Dr. Edwin M. Mercado as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The announcement was made by Malacañang on Tuesday, marking a transition in leadership for the agency.

Dr. Mercado, a distinguished US-trained orthopedic surgeon, brings with him 35 years of experience in hospital management and healthcare administration. He officially took his oath before President Marcos at the Malacañan Palace, replacing outgoing PhilHealth PCEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.

Edwin Mercado, Bongbong Marcos
Photo Source: GMA Network

A graduate of the prestigious University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine, Dr. Mercado completed his training at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). His extensive background in healthcare management is further highlighted by his previous role as vice chairman of the Mercado General Hospital/Qualimed Health Network. Under his leadership, Qualimed has grown into a national chain comprising four general hospitals, six multi-specialty clinics, two surgery centers, 150 primary care corporate clinics, a college for paramedical professionals, and a physician practice group.

Apart from his medical and managerial expertise, Dr. Mercado holds Master’s degrees in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and global health delivery from the Harvard School of Medicine. These credentials solidify his expertise in health economics and policy-making, aligning with the goals of the Universal Health Care Act.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa expressed confidence in Mercado’s ability to steer PhilHealth towards improved services and broader coverage. With healthcare being a critical concern for millions of Filipinos, Dr. Mercado’s leadership is expected to drive much-needed reforms and enhance PhilHealth’s operational efficiency.

“With Master’s degrees in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and global health delivery from the Harvard School of Medicine, PCEO Dr. Mercado is also actively involved in health economics work aligned with the Universal Health Care Act,” Herbosa said.

The appointment of Dr. Mercado signals the Marcos administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare system. As he takes on the role of PhilHealth’s chief, stakeholders anticipate that his extensive experience and global perspective will contribute to a more robust and efficient health insurance system for Filipinos.

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