An opinion piece argues that insulating the Philippine health bureaucracy from political capture is a crucial unresolved health reform, beyond benefit packages or UHC programs.

The Department of Health has fact-checked and debunked online posts spreading misinformation about the safety and effectiveness of measles-rubella vaccines, reaffirming their safety.

Health advocates have filed a complaint against the new Department of Health chief, warning that procurement delays could lead to a depletion of tuberculosis drug stocks.

The new Department of Health chief, Brix Pujalte, has been accused of gambling at casinos in a letter sent to the Palace. The Department of Health denies the allegations, stating Pujalte was at a hotel for a meeting with provincial officials.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stated that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) located Dr. Anthony Fauci's diaries across nearly a dozen different servers.

The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines announced that over one million children aged 6 to 59 months in the National Capital Region (NCR) have been vaccinated against measles-rubella, achieving 87.1% coverage.

The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines announced a significant decline in Covid-19 cases, with infections this year decreasing by 70 percent. The agency reported 1,532 confirmed cases.

A report has been published detailing the systemic failures that allowed Michael Shine to abuse victims, with calls for the system to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Department of Health released the findings, highlighting how victims were let down.

Dr. Jose 'Brix' Pujalte Jr., who served 12 years as chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, has joined the Marcos Cabinet as the new Department of Health secretary.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reportedly reversed its decision to freeze $10 billion in child care funding for five states, unblocking crucial financial support.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) watchdog anticipates achieving $5.56 billion in recoveries and savings.

The Department of Health in the Philippines announced the arrival of 455,188 bottles of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs, crucial for the treatment of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country.

As Typhoon Inday gathers strength, the Department of Health has heightened alert levels in Cagayan Valley and Northern Luzon, while residents in Western Visayas are urged to remain vigilant for potential flooding due to the typhoon and southwest monsoon.

Ireland's Department of Health has asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a public health report on e-scooter injuries, following a significant increase in serious injuries among children and teenagers.

GOP Senator Bill Cassidy is seeking to clarify his vote regarding the confirmation of RFK Jr. for a position within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Department of Health (DOH) chief Teodoro Herbosa and Undersecretary Randy Escolango are facing a complaint in the Office of the Ombudsman regarding alleged “blatant disregard of standard fiscal checkpoints.” The complaint centers on their alleged failure to adhere to proper financial protocols.

The Ombudsman has been urged to investigate a Department of Health (DOH) executive for allegedly upgrading to business class for a trip to Switzerland. Concerns have also been raised regarding the ERC's failure to address overpricing.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has indicated its skepticism regarding the methodologies and conclusions of international cancer risk assessments.

Ireland's Department of Health has requested further explanation from the Rotunda Hospital regarding how its position on Public Only Consultant Contracts will align with government policy before Minister for Health Jennifer O'Carroll MacNeill will agree to its proposals.

Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a Senate resolution to investigate the Commission on Audit's findings regarding billions of pesos worth of expired and unutilized medicines and vaccines procured by the Department of Health from 2018 to 2024.

Hong Kong's Department of Health announced that the city's smoking rate has dropped to a record low of 8.5 percent. Despite the decline, the rate still falls short of the World Health Organization's recommended target.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated an artificial intelligence program aimed at detecting and preventing fraud and waste within its health programs.

Actor Vijay inaugurated and flagged off a fleet of 40 new vehicles, valued at Rs 2.90 crore, for the Department of Health and Public Welfare.

The Labour MP for Kettering has resigned from their position as a private secretary within the Department of Health, a role they had held since September.

Dr. Marty Makary's resignation from his position at the Food and Drug Administration is reportedly widening an existing leadership gap within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This departure adds to ongoing concerns about leadership stability.

The Department of Health in Ireland has expressed regret over the decision by SIPTU and Unite members in the National Ambulance Service to proceed with strike action.

RFK Jr. has announced a new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative aimed at addressing the overuse of psychiatric medications, particularly among children, as part of a broader mental health strategy.

An undersecretary of the Department of Health in the Philippines is facing a graft complaint. The complaint alleges conflict of interest after his brother reportedly secured a P140 million infrastructure project.

The tragic deaths of former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife, Cerina Fairfax, have been officially ruled a murder-suicide by the Virginia Department of Health’s Chief Medical Examiner.

The Department of Health has declined to comment on the salary difference between outgoing Secretary General Robert Watt and his newly appointed successor, Derek Tierney, whose salary is set at €280,902 on the civil service pay scale.

The Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as the Philippines experiences high heat indices, with Catarman, Northern Samar, logging a peak of 44ºC on Wednesday, among other areas reaching 'danger' levels.

The Philippine Department of Health reported 1,091 road crash injuries across 161 hospitals from March 29 to April 2, covering Palm Sunday to Holy Thursday. This figure represents a 150-percent increase compared to the previous period.

A Rappler video report investigates health infrastructure contracts awarded to EGB Construction, a firm owned by the brother of Department of Health Undersecretary Glenn Mathew Baggao, raising questions of potential conflict of interest.

DHSC corrects statements after regulator intervenes as experts say smoking causes far more cancer cases

MANILA, Philippines — The graft case filed against Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is “undergoing evaluation,” according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano. Herbosa and three other DOH officials were named in a nine-page complaint over alleged bid-rigging in the procurement of mobile primary care facilities (MPCFs) worth P1.8 billion. READ: Herbosa, 3 other

Chris Klob, whom Donald Trump refers to as his 'favorite' or 'killer Mormon,' has unexpectedly taken the helm of the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), one of the most critical portfolios for the health of 330 million citizens.

Authorities have launched an investigation into a potential food poisoning cluster that has affected 53 trainees understood to be from the Hong Kong Police College. The Department of Health said on…

An assessment of a drug for a rare muscular condition was removed from the website of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, at the request of the Department of Health.

The Department of Health has issued new guidelines for the controversial Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program.

The Department of Health has stated that there is no timeframe for the 2015 government policy to move the Rotunda Hospital to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown in Ireland.

The US Department of Health, under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has set up an informal clearinghouse for German doctors facing legal proceedings related to pandemic-era mask and vaccination certificates.

Amid Minnesota Fraud Scandal, Legitimate Autism Centers Face Closure Authored by Troy Myers via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), A Minnesota autism center for adults and children, which has been operating for more than 20 years, is facing closure in the wake of the massive fraud scandal in the state that dates back more than a decade and involves more than $9 billion of U.S. taxpayer money. The Holland Center in Minnetonka, Minn., on Feb. 11, 2026. Larson told a House subcommittee hearing on Jan. 21 that her center and numerous others in Minnesota are facing collapse after becoming collateral damage from the massive fraud scandal. Adam Hester for The Epoch Times The Holland Center is one of many legitimate centers in the state, which collectively serve thousands of disabled people. Founder, owner, and CEO Jennifer Larson built the Holland Center for her autistic, non-speaking son, who is now 25 years old. She said she has recently been forced to put hundreds of thousands of her own dollars into keeping the center afloat because the state didn’t pay a single claim for nearly two months. Because of the payment delays, Larson said autism centers like hers are being forced to reduce hours, cut staff, and close in some instances. Families are scrambling for help, disabled children and adults are regressing, and parents are leaving jobs to care for their disabled loved ones. Larson told The Epoch Times her facility can’t continue much longer. “The feds say it’s the state. The state says it’s the feds,” Larson said. “The kids are going to be the collateral damage.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services paused child care and family assistance funds to Minnesota in early January due to the alleged rampant fraud. The state is appealing. The Minnesota Department of Human Services told The Epoch Times via email that the federal government’s threat of withholding funds is “not impacting the current payment situation.” However, Larson’s center accumulated nearly two months of unpaid claims from Dec. 5 to Jan. 29, totaling more than $600,000. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a press conference at the state Capitol building in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 3, 2026. Beginning in late December 2025, the state began using a new pre-payment review vendor called Optum, which uses artificial intelligence in its claims and reimbursement processes. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ‘Everything Was Flagged’ Beginning in late December 2025, the state began using a new pre-payment review vendor called Optum, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) “at every step” of its claims and reimbursement processes. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had announced the contract with the new system in late October 2025. “They implemented it because of the fraud. Obviously, the state wasn’t catching the fraud in the 300 or 400 centers that popped up in the last three years,” Larson said. She blames the Minnesota government for turning a blind eye to the “crime ring” involving fraud at Somali-run autism centers to an immense scale. Neither Walz nor his office could be reached for comment during multiple attempts via emails and phone calls. Now, she said, Optum is causing the delay of claims with few or unclear explanations in the review process. “The state has failed and lost millions and millions of dollars in the system, so, clearly, the state wasn’t going to be able to tell Optum what to look for because they didn’t know what they were doing,” Larson told The Epoch Times after she recently testified in Congress. “All of us, for the first round, nobody got anything. Everything was flagged.” Larson told a House subcommittee hearing on Jan. 21 that her center and numerous others in Minnesota are facing collapse after becoming collateral damage from the massive fraud scandal. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) asked Larson: “Ms. Larson, none of this would have happened if the fraud did not occur, is that accurate?” “Yes,” she responded. “What happened in Minnesota had nothing to do with the ethical, longstanding autism providers.” Larson said in her testimony that the state government’s “clumsy response” to fraud failed to distinguish between criminals and caregivers. She said abrupt disruption or loss of service can destroy weeks or years of progress for disabled children and adults, causing lifelong consequences. Payment Process The Minnesota Department of Human Services told The Epoch Times that it sent the first batch of more than 100,000 claims to Optum for review in late December 2025. The department said every two weeks, Optum receives batches of claims from the state. The system analyzes and flags any that need further review. Unflagged claims are paid after the initial analysis, the Minnesota Department of Human Services said. The agency will continue sending payments for unflagged claims on regular two-week cycles. A provider will receive an update every two weeks on a flagged or suspended claim, accompanied by reason codes, the department said. “If a claim is flagged, we may need additional information and documents from the provider before payments are made, which may cause further delay,” the Minnesota Department of Human Services said. Claims in Optum are listed as suspended until the state reaches a payment decision. The department did not provide detailed answers on why the Holland Center or other similar, longstanding facilities might have their claims flagged. Jennifer Larson, founder and CEO of the Holland Center, and her son Caden Larson in Minnetonka, Minn., on Feb. 11, 2026. Larson built the center for her autistic, non-speaking son, who is now 25 years old. Adam Hester for The Epoch Times The agency said it did not wish to disclose what kind of identifiers cause it to suspect someone is billing for services they did not provide, but officials generally look for “patterns of concern—claims that fall outside expected norms,” some of which could be blamed on administrative errors or poor documentation rather than intentional fraud. “Optum helps the state of Minnesota identify potential fraud, waste, and abuse by conducting pre‑payment reviews,” the company said in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times. “Optum has no authority to approve, deny, delay, or suspend claims, and payment decisions are made exclusively by [the Minnesota Department of Human Services] and the Office of Inspector General.” Most claims should be paid within 30 days, and legitimate claims that may have been flagged within 90 days, as required by the federal government, according to the agency. Financial Hit Meanwhile, with a payroll of $250,000 every two weeks, Larson has been forced to ask many of her employees to take unpaid leave. After nearly two months of unpaid claims, her center was partially paid on Jan. 29, bringing the owed amount down to about $300,000, Larson said. She said there’s been little to no word from state or health officials on why her claims were flagged in the first place. Larson doesn’t expect to get another payment for two weeks, putting her in a several-hundred-thousand-dollar deficit she doesn’t think will ever rebalance. She’s spent so much of her own money to keep the center’s lights on, Larson said, that she’s been forced to cut back on other bills to make ends meet. Fortunately, Larson said her landlords have been understanding of the situation. New Centers Years ago, when Larson witnessed new autism treatment centers popping up around her area and the state, she was initially relieved because, to her, it meant more help was coming for disabled children and adults. “There’s a need, and there’s a high prevalence of autism in the Somali community in Minnesota,” Larson said. “And I know that and I service a lot of the kids, but we can’t take them all. We’ve always had a waiting list.” A 2023 study by the University of Minnesota showed autism rates in 4-year-olds to be much higher among Somali children compared to other races and ethnicities. The report found 1 in 18 Somali children had autism, compared to 1 in 64 for white children, 1 in 31 for Hispanic children, and 1 in 30 for non-Somali black children. But when hundreds of autism centers popped up, it was a red flag for Larson. “No one wants to talk about it because everyone’s scared of saying anything wrong,” Larson said. “That’s why we’re here. It’s because everyone’s too afraid to say something.” Independent journalist Nick Shirley, who brought national attention to the alleged Minnesota fraud at day care centers with his viral video posted Dec. 26, 2025, attended the congressional hearing with Larson. “What we saw in Minnesota is how complicit the government has been in enabling this fraud to happen. Quality ‘Learing’ Center had over 90 violations, yet they continued to give that daycare $1.9 million,” Shirley said in his testimony. Meanwhile, the closure of Holland Center would dismantle a lifetime of work for Larson that all started with the birth of her son. Read the rest here... Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 20:55

A report released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on August 13 has highlighted alleged fraud in pediatric gender-treatment practices.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a warning to Texas hospitals regarding the denial of life-saving care to a newborn with a disability. This directive underscores the federal government's stance on ensuring medical treatment for vulnerable patients.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is taking steps to tighten oversight of food ingredients and define ultra-processed foods, responding to growing food safety concerns and questions about FDA visibility.

A new complaint has been filed against the Department of Health (DOH) chief Pujalte, alleging a freeze in tuberculosis drug procurement. Complainants warn that this decision could lead to a nationwide stockout and deny patients their daily medicines.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new policy to cease federal funding for 'dangerous gain-of-function research'.

The Department of Health in the Philippines has advised the public to prepare emergency go bags and take precautions due to the anticipated impacts of Tropical Storm Kiyapo and the southwest monsoon.

Civil rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for failing to respond to a FOIA request regarding alleged fraud against Somali childcare providers. The lawsuit challenges restrictions on childcare funding.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) is pushing back against misleading claims about deworming that may be causing unnecessary fear among the public.

Ireland's Department of Health has stated that a survey indicating a majority against a sunbed ban is not statistically representative, despite more than two-thirds of respondents opposing the ban.

Health workers are urging the newly appointed Department of Health (DOH) chief, Dr. Pujalte, to tackle unresolved healthcare issues. Pujalte's appointment follows the resignation of Herbosa, with health groups expressing high hopes for the new leadership.

A new memorandum from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expected to provide a significant boost to psychedelic drugmakers.

Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has taken sick leave to recover from knee replacement surgery, as confirmed by a Department of Health spokesperson.

Philippine Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has taken sick leave following knee replacement surgery, as confirmed by the Department of Health spokesperson.

US lawmakers are calling for stricter monitoring of medically assisted suicide in hospices and have urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address discrimination in such practices. The push aims to ensure proper oversight and prevent discriminatory actions.

New data from the Department of Health reveals that 69% of all hospital consultants in Ireland are now working under the 2023 Public-Only Consultant Contract, which mandates exclusive treatment of public patients in public hospitals.

The Department of Health in the Philippines reported a 6 percent increase in leptospirosis cases nationwide, with 2,177 cases recorded from January 4 to June 6 this year, compared to 2,046 cases in the same period last year.

Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano has accused Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa of politicizing Department of Health funds, specifically noting that Cayetano's capacity to refer patients to hospitals was stripped.

The Palace has declared a hands-off approach regarding graft claims against Department of Health chief Herbosa and Domingo. Separately, the Sandiganbayan has dismissed a graft case against former reclamation chief Agra.

Dr. Anthony Leachon, a public health advocate and former president of the Philippine College of Physicians, has disputed reports identifying a former Department of Health Undersecretary as the sole complainant in a case.

The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines issued a warning to the public regarding fraudulent endorsements of cancer treatments falsely bearing the agency's name and featuring Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

Samantha Jones, permanent secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care, had multiple private-sector interests

The Department of Health confirmed that the Philippines has no reported cases of Ebola, despite a growing outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus in parts of Africa.

The Philippine Department of Health reported over 4,600 newly diagnosed cases of human immunodeficiency virus in the first quarter of this year. This data highlights the ongoing public health challenge in the country.

South Africa's Department of Health is deliberating a new approach to licensing following a recent Constitutional Court ruling, which may impact healthcare regulations.

The Trump administration is reportedly working quickly to stabilize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Kennedy, with a focus on the upcoming midterm elections.

A nationwide association representing over 53,000 Department of Health (DOH) workers in the Philippines has expressed full support for Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who is currently facing complaints regarding alleged graft and conflict-of-interest issues.

Senator Raffy Tulfo has questioned why Health Undersecretary Glenn Baggao continues to handle the Department of Health's infrastructure program, given that Baggao's brother owns a construction firm that secured health infrastructure projects.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pushing a healthy food agenda, urging hospitals to improve the quality of meals served to patients.

The Swiss Department of Health has clarified that current billing practices, possibly related to Crans, are standard procedure, not an oversight, and anticipates even higher invoices in the future.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families is implementing measures to reduce bureaucratic red tape.

The Department of Health announced that the heel prick test will now screen for two more rare conditions, effective immediately. This expansion aims to detect additional health issues in newborns.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported a 45-percent increase in measles and rubella cases in the Philippines, reaching 1,627 from January 4 to March 21 this year.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has dismissed circulating claims of an emergency lockdown starting April 10, 2026, which were falsely attributed to the 'Cicada' variant of the Covid-19 virus. The DOH tagged these posts as fake.

A new lawsuit has been filed challenging the race requirement in a medical scholarship program offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), highlighting ongoing debates about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.

RFK Jr.'s Department of Health and Human Services is investigating 13 states, including California, Colorado, and New York, for allegedly coercing doctors to perform abortions.

Calling vape products 'poison,' the Department of Health urges lawmakers to prohibit — not just regulate — vaping in the Philippines

The Department of Health is transferring pregnant migrant minors to a center in Texas, where abortion is virtually banned, despite objections from federal agency officials responsible for their care.

High-ranking officials of the Department of Health (DOH), including Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, are facing accusations of bid-rigging over alleged irregularities in plans to upgrade non-functional mobile health facilities, primarily in Mindanao.

Former Department of Health Secretary Alfredo Bengzon died yesterday. He was 90.

The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines clarified that there are no penalties imposed on parents who choose not to vaccinate their children.

Fifteen states, led by Democrats, have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services, alleging that recent revisions to the recommended vaccine schedule for children were not based on scientific evidence.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday warned about a possible outbreak of measles and rubella in Mindanao if the region fails to reach herd immunity against the diseases. According to the DOH, there are still 520,645 children who remain unvaccinated in Mindanao. The agency noted that around 2.3 million children, or 82 percent of

2 More High-Profile Transgender Surgery Cases Head To Trial Authored by Darlene McCormick Sanchez via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), Two high-profile “detransitioner” cases involving young women whose bodies were irrevocably altered as teens by transgender surgery are expected to go to trial in early 2027. Chloe Cole, an 18-year-old woman who regrets surgically removing her breasts, holds testosterone medication used for transgender patients, in Northern California on Aug. 26, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times Chloe Cole, who drew national attention after speaking out against subjecting children to gender-reassignment procedures such as hormones and surgeries, has an April 5, 2027, trial date, according to Mark Trammell, CEO of the Center for American Liberty, which represents several detransitioners. ​Cole and others, known as detransitioners, stopped or reversed a medical gender transition that they started earlier. ​She sued Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and other health care providers in California after receiving life-altering hormones and a double mastectomy when she was 15. ​“Kaiser has done everything in its power to keep Chloe out of a courtroom and to ensure that members of the press are not in the gallery,” Trammell told The Epoch Times. ​For Cole, getting a trial date signifies a victory after years of legal wrangling and delays, she told The Epoch Times via text. “After years of fighting for the voices of my generation to be heard, I’ve been given a date for trial. Every victim, every family who spoke up, every step in the culture, all led to this moment,” she said. ​“I’ve waited for my day in court, not just for my sake, but for that of every child who should’ve been protected from irreversible harm.” Kaiser Foundation Hospitals did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the lawsuit moving forward. However, the medical group told local news outlets in 2023 that it followed medical standards of “gender-affirming care.” ​Trammell also represents Luka Hein, whose case is expected to head to trial in early 2027. ​Hein’s Nebraska case names the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physicians, the Nebraska Medical Center, doctors, therapists, and others as defendants. Like others, Hein had both breasts removed in 2018, when she was 16, as the first step in her “gender-affirming care,” according to the lawsuit. Building Momentum Both medical malpractice cases could solidify gains made in the landmark Fox Varian v. Kenneth Einhorn case, which went to trial in New York last month. It marked the first time that a detransitioner case received a jury verdict. ​The Jan. 30 verdict held a surgeon and psychologist liable for malpractice surrounding the double mastectomy that Fox Varian received when she was 16. The jury found her psychologist, Kenneth Einhorn, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Simon Chin, liable for failing to communicate as required about Varian’s condition. One example was laid out in an October 2019 letter that Einhorn wrote to Chin in support of Varian’s surgery, which contained errors and omitted coexisting mental issues, including autism and depression. Chloe Cole stands near her home in Northern California on Aug. 26, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times The New York jury awarded Varian $2 million—$1.6 million for pain and suffering, and $400,000 for future medical expenses. ​The Fox verdict sent shockwaves through the gender medicine industry, while offering hope for other detransitioners. ​Trammell said that while medical negligence lawsuits aren’t new, those involving transgender medicine are. ​“How do you put a price tag on a young woman having her breasts amputated and potentially never being able to have a child?” he asked. ​The hope is that detransitioners will now see that they can win a legal victory. ​“I look at that as a tremendous, tremendous victory, not just for Fox Varian, but for other detransitioners who are maybe thinking about filing lawsuits,” he said. Chloe Cole holds a childhood photo in Northern California on Aug. 26, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times Trammell said that the success of medical negligence cases depends on establishing that doctors and hospitals failed to meet the standard of care. That’s why reviews of gender medicine, such as the recent one by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are important, he said. ​That federal report rejected medical interventions for children with gender dysphoria, recommending therapy instead. ​The HHS report noted that evidence underpinning the alleged benefits of medical interventions in pediatric gender dysphoria was “very uncertain.” ​Trammell said the pediatric gender industry appears to be based more on politics than science. ​He pointed to European countries’ changing of their policies after studies showed problems with medical interventions for childhood gender dysphoria. The United States has lagged behind Europe in adjusting its approach to pediatric gender medicine, Trammell said. ​“It’s taken the U.S., unfortunately, years to even begin to catch up. And even still, there’s a ton of money and political power behind it,” he said. Tools for Justice ​Civil lawsuits can be tools for changing behavior on the market level, and the landmark Big Tobacco lawsuit settlement in 1998 is a case in point, Trammell said. ​“I think these cases uniquely present the opportunity to put an end to this barbaric industry because ... it’s driven by money and power,” he said. When doctors, hospitals, and insurers become financially liable for pediatric gender procedures, it will have a chilling effect, Trammell said. Chloe Cole speaks in support of the Protect Children's Innocence Act as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) looks on outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 20, 2022. Terri Wu/The Epoch Times ​Trammell said states have already helped protect vulnerable children by passing laws banning transgender-related hormone treatments and surgery for minors. However, state lawmakers could have a bigger impact by creating a carve-out on the statute of limitations for medical malpractice. In many states, lawsuits must be filed within two years of the alleged malpractice, but it can take children much longer to realize the harm they suffered. In Texas, 60 lawmakers signed a letter supporting a detransitioner’s case, heard on Feb. 11 by the Texas Supreme Court, that was originally dismissed based on the expiration of the statute of limitations. The state lawmakers vowed to support legislation next year to extend the statute of limitations for detransitioners. Soren Aldaco filed a lawsuit in 2023 asking for more than $1 million in damages, claiming that doctors pressured her into gender-reassignment procedures, gave her “life-altering” hormones at 17, and later “botched” a double mastectomy. Trammell said that at the very least, the statute of limitations on cases involving minors shouldn’t start until they turn 18. “They should have five to 10 years at least to be able to make those decisions for things that happen to them as 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds,” he said. Tyler Durden Tue, 02/17/2026 - 18:25

Malacañang confirmed the resignation of two Department of Health (DOH) undersecretaries in the Philippines, who were reportedly facing complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Dengue cases in the Cordillera region of the Philippines have decreased by 3 percent compared to last year, but eight fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease have been reported so far this year, according to the Department of Health.

President Marcos has appointed lawyer Saquilabon as the new Undersecretary for the Philippine Department of Health (DOH). This appointment fills a key position within the health department.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) is working to address issues with vaccine and medicine access in regional hospitals and strengthen its Universal Health Care (UHC) manpower.

The U.S. State Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, has decided to revoke the passports of American citizens who are delinquent on child support payments.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday inaugurated the Department of Health–Jose B.

NICE, under the UK Department of Health, has decided to trial two new tests for diagnosing endometriosis at health centers across the UK for the next three years. These tests include a saliva test.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has affirmed that deworming medicine is generally safe and effective, warning the public against misinformation. The DOH urged the public to disregard fake news circulating about the medication.

Dr. Jose 'Brix' Pujalte Jr., the new acting Health Secretary in the Philippines, has ordered a leadership realignment within the Department of Health to ensure continuous delivery of health services.

Newly appointed Department of Health Secretary Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. has pledged to prioritize the continuous delivery of quality healthcare services across the country.

A proposal aimed at increasing access to costly prenatal testing through the public health system has been submitted to the Department of Health for consideration. No agreement has been reached yet on its implementation.

A former nurse from Long Island, Julie DeVouono, received the largest administrative fine in New York State Department of Health history after it was revealed she earned approximately $1.5 million selling fake COVID-19 vaccine cards.

The Minnesota Department of Health suspended a race-based grant program after a Title VI civil rights review initiated by the Department of Justice found it prioritized by race.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced the end of the monitoring period for a hantavirus outbreak, signaling the conclusion of its response efforts as the situation eases.

Patients in Sarangani, Philippines, have been moved back into hospitals a day after a deadly earthquake struck off its coast, according to the Department of Health.

The Sandiganbayan First Division has commenced the graft trial of former Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and ex-Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary Christopher Lao, concerning alleged misuse of P41.46-B in COVID funds.

Tobacco consumption in Catalonia has fallen to historic lows, though it still causes one death per hour, prompting the Department of Health to announce more inspections and expand its anti-smoking campaign.

A network of health development experts has asserted that the Department of Health is not in a position to donate money to the World Health Organization.

The Philippine Department of Health has recorded 4,633 new HIV cases from January to March this year, marking a 9 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, highlighting ongoing public health efforts.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has initiated an exclusive program utilizing artificial intelligence to identify and combat fraud and waste within the Medicaid system.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has rescinded the charter for a vaccine panel, stating that the decision was due to an "administrative error."

President John F. Kennedy's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, visited his cousin RFK Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services to deliver a subpoena and Tylenol.

The National Department of Health and North-West University in South Africa have launched the NurseLead program, an initiative designed to empower current and emerging nurse leaders across the country.

A report indicates that officials within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had considered implementing a ban on SSRI antidepressants.

The President of the Irish Medical Organisation has criticized the 'blame game' between the Department of Health, the HSE, and the constructors regarding delays in the National Children's Hospital's completion date.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has rejected the publication of a study that reportedly showed Covid-19 vaccines prevent hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

The Department of Health (DOH) has warned of potential health risks from the lingering haze of the Navotas Sanitary Landfill fire and distributed hygiene kits to affected residents. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa visited families impacted by the smoke.

Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa claims that complaints filed against him regarding alleged expired medicines and vaccines are part of a 'demolition job' by 'mafias' within the Department of Health.

A group of 130 hospitals has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), alleging 'arbitrary and capricious' handling of billions in Medicare payouts.

The Department of Health and Human Services has initiated steps to restore its vaccine advisory committee, following a federal judge's questioning of the panel's legitimacy and overturning of its recent work. The move suggests the committee may be revived under terms influenced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has launched an investigation into 13 Democrat-led states for allegedly mandating employers' health plans to cover abortion services.

Boracay Water, an operating unit of Manila Water Philippine Ventures, has achieved an 'Excellent' performance rating in the Department of Health's microbiological performance test.

The White House has reportedly placed RFK Jr.'s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under tighter control following recent setbacks related to the MAHA initiative, as reported by the WSJ.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she could not immediately give timelines or costings on her plans to develop a newly purchased greenfield site that would develop a second hospital…

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and three other Department of Health executives are facing graft charges over alleged bid rigging in the procurement of mobile primary care facilities worth P1.8 billion.

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Officials of Agusan del Sur province welcomed the proposed takeover by the Department of Health (DOH) of the provincial government-run D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH). The House committee on health approved on Wednesday the measure seeking to transfer the management of the hospital back to the DOH, as contained

The Department of Health  has recorded 14,907 dengue cases as of Feb. 14, which is 70 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

KORONADAL CITY  —  The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded the highest number of children vaccinated against measles and rubella diseases among the six regions in Mindanao. But Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa warned of a possible measles outbreak in Mindanao, as the Department of Health (DOH) failed to reach its herd immunity target on the island. READ: DOH warns

How Bhattacharya's NIH Is Rethinking China, DEI, And High‑Risk Labs Authored by Jeff Louderback, Jan Jekielek via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), For decades, scientists have looked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an agency that publishes papers, according to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, in Washington, on Feb. 8, 2026. Irene Luo/The Epoch Times Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the emphasis for NIH funding has shifted to “provable, testable hypotheses, not ideological narratives,” he said, which is resulting in widespread reforms to the agency. Bhattacharya, who obtained both a doctorate in economics and a medical degree from Stanford University within three years of each other, outlined changes that the NIH has implemented in his first year as the agency’s director and talked about his vision for the next three years in an interview with Epoch Times Senior Editor Jan Jekielek. The NIH has been instrumental in medical advances for decades, Bhattacharya said, but in the 21st century, it became “much more of a staid institution, not willing to take intellectual risks.” During the same time, the agency “was willing to take risks on dangerous gain-of-function and other social agendas, like DEI, that it had no business really engaging in.” “I think the NIH now, under my leadership, under President Trump’s leadership, and under what Secretary [Robert F.] Kennedy is looking over … is focused on actually addressing the chronic health problems of this country, reversing the flatlining of life expectancy, and making good on its mission ... research that improves the health and longevity of the American people, and the whole world,” he said. One of the 13 agencies managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is the largest supporter of biomedical research globally, providing 85 percent of all biomedical research funding worldwide, according to Bhattacharya. It funds about $50 billion in scientific research via grants to hundreds of thousands of researchers at academic institutions and hospitals, he said. The NIH is not an agency that makes decisions or policies about public health directly, Bhattacharya said, noting that he intends to “remove the politicization of science that has existed for decades.” The National Institutes of Health Gateway Center in Bethesda, Md., on June 8, 2025. During President Donald Trump’s second term, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said the agency “is focused on actually addressing the chronic health problems of this country.” Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters/File Photo Political Agendas Over the past 15 to 20 years, the NIH has incorporated political rather than scientific agendas, Bhattacharya told The Epoch Times. “Probably the most prominent example of this is DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said. “If you were a researcher outside the NIH, the ticket to getting sort of extra, relatively easy funds was to promise to do DEI research. Looking into it, much of that research had no real scientific basis at all. I don’t even characterize this as science.” As an example, Bhattacharya used a project that studied the question: “Is structural racism the root reason why African Americans have worse hypertension results than other races?” “The problem with that hypothesis is that there’s no way to test it,” he said. “If structural racism is the cause, then what control group can you have to test the idea that that is true? ... None of that actually translated over to better health for anybody, much less for African Americans. “Scientists of the country understand that if they want NIH support, they need to propose projects that have the chance of improving the health of people rather than achieving some ideology that should not belong at the NIH.” The NIH has redirected its funding since Trump took office for his second term. That includes allocating funds for “early career scientists,” Bhattacharya said. President Donald Trump (C) speaks as National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (2nd L) looks on during a press conference at the White House on May 12, 2025. The NIH redirected its funding priorities after Trump began his second term. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Funding Changes There should be “fundamental changes” with the way the NIH funds educational institutions, Bhattacharya said, and he intends to work with Congress “to make [this] happen.” On Jan. 5, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration cannot reduce the amount of money the NIH pays grant recipients for indirect costs, including administration and facility maintenance. The ruling applies to three lawsuits filed by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and 21 other states, as well as hospitals, schools, and the associations that represent them. The NIH published a guidance document in February 2025 to limit how much grant funding could flow to research institutions to cover their indirect costs. These are costs that cannot be directly attributed to an individual research project and include expenses related to funding equipment, facilities, and research staff. The guidance document states that these indirect costs could not exceed 15 percent of funding for direct research costs, regardless of the costs incurred at universities. The NIH stated that Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard charged in excess of 60 percent for indirect costs, even though they had billions of dollars in endowments. Attorneys for those who filed suit said small universities don’t have such large endowments and that if the guidance took effect, there would be many layoffs, stalled clinical trials, and laboratory closures. “If you don’t have amazing scientists who can win the grants, you’re not going to get the facility support. But in order to attract excellent scientists to your institution, you have to have excellent facilities. It’s the kind of Catch-22 that guarantees that our funding from the NIH is going to be concentrated in relatively few institutions,” Bhattacharya said. Scientists at schools such as the University of Alabama, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Kansas deserve access to funding like Stanford and Harvard, he said. A researcher studies skin wound healing in a lab at the University of Illinois Chicago in Chicago on March 5, 2025. On Jan. 5, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration could not limit the percentage amount the National Institutes of Health pays grant recipients for indirect costs, including administrative expenses and facility maintenance. Scott Olson/Getty Images Dealing With China The NIH must be “very careful about how we fund research relationships with China, especially post-pandemic,” Bhattacharya said. “The U.S. invested in the Chinese biomedical research enterprise. Almost every single top Chinese biomedical research scientist of note was funded in some part by the NIH. Many were trained in the United States, so we invested heavily in that,” he said. “Post-pandemic, and especially given the geopolitical circumstances we are in now, it looks, in retrospect, like it wasn’t all that wise an investment.” The NIH must implement more secure measures with foreign research, he said, referencing the collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology. “In the case of Wuhan, what happened was that the NIH funded … Eco Health Alliance, which had a sub-award relationship with the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” Bhattacharya said. “When the pandemic happened, and the NIH had an interest in getting the lab notebooks of what exactly was studied in Wuhan, the Eco Health Alliance essentially delayed reporting at all about what it knew had happened,” Bhattacharya said. “They ultimately said, ‘Oh, well, we don’t control Wuhan Institute of Virology. We can’t get the lab notebooks.’” He noted that the NIH “funded research in collaboration with China that was actually quite dangerous and may indeed have led to the pandemic.” Under Bhattacharya, the NIH now has more stringent auditing processes with domestic and foreign institutions. “If it is NIH-funded, then [the domestic and the foreign institutions] have to have direct auditing relationships united with the NIH,“ he said. ”Then the NIH can shut off money to the foreign institution, if it’s not cooperating. ... It’s called a sub-project system. It’s one of the first things that I did.” Read the rest here... Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 21:45