Victor Atallah Takes Office as Dominican Republic's Health Minister
Victor Atallah was sworn in as Public Health Minister, promising ethical management with equity and transparency.
Key points
- Victor Atallah took office as Public Health Minister this Friday.
- He pledged to manage with equity, efficiency, ethics and humanity.
- He announced the 2030 National Health Strategic Plan will guide health policies.
- He called for collaboration across all sectors and from citizens.
Victor Atallah took office this Friday as Minister of Public Health at the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance in Santo Domingo. On taking office, he thanked President Luis Abinader for the trust placed in him and called the appointment a significant commitment to the well-being of all Dominicans.
The official said that, under the president's instructions, he will manage the ministry ethically and transparently. He said he is placing his professional experience, built over years of service, and the values he says he learned from his parents at the country's disposal.
Atallah recalled that health has been a priority for the government since Abinader took office in August 2020, and cited actions taken against COVID-19 and other health threats. In his words, his management will be guided by a commitment to equity, efficiency, ethics and humanity.
He announced that the 2030 National Health Strategic Plan will guide the execution of health policies. He said the plan was drawn up under the direction of the Health Cabinet, with the consensus of the sectors involved.
The new minister also called for shared responsibility. He said health is the responsibility not only of the Ministry but of the entire nation, and invited citizens to join efforts to build a stronger health system.
Why it matters
Decisions made by the Ministry of Public Health affect access to medical care for Dominicans both in the country and in the diaspora that relies on health services in the DR. The new minister says he will work to close those access gaps.