Alfredo Bengzon, Magsaysay awardee, ex-DOH chief, 90

MANILA, Philippines — Former Department of Health Secretary Alfredo Bengzon died yesterday. He was 90.

“Rest in Peace former secretary of Health Alfredo Rafael Antonio Bengzon,” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a social media post. Bengzon served as DOH secretary from 1986 to 1992 under president Corazon Aquino.

“Bengzon’s legacy as secretary of Health is marked by his courageous efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Filipinos,” Herbosa said.

Some of his notable achievements include the Generic Drug Law, which made medicines more affordable and increased the market share of generics to 64 percent. Under Bengzon’s stint with the DOH, family planning initiatives were pushed.

He advocated greater access to family planning resources, despite opposition from religious sectors.

Bengzon also led a thorough reorganization of the DOH, eliminating corrupt practices and emphasizing public education.

His contributions to healthcare and social reform earned him the 1991 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service.

Herbosa said Bengzon continues to be recognized for his leadership in healthcare, as president and CEO of The Medical City and founding Dean of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health.

“I was a young surgical resident at UP-Philippine General Hospital when he became secretary of Health,” he said.