The Department of Health (DoH) got a double thumbs up rating in the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey, particularly on the issue of protecting the public from the outbreak of diseases and the availability of medicines.

On the issue of protecting the public against the outbreak of diseases, the latest SWS survey said the DoH got a +40 satisfaction rating, the highest net rating among the 13 issues surveyed. Similarly, the DoH gathered a +14 rating from the issue of ensuring the availability of medicines for the public.

“We are very happy that all our efforts did not go to waste. Our government, under the leadership of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and its health workers are selflessly and relentlessly working to give the public better health services and we are very thankful to the public for appreciating all these endeavors,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

Duque said the DoH worked relentlessly during the height of the A (H1N1) while continuing the programs against dengue and other public health concerns.

“The battle against A (H1N1) is not easy. I am not saying that the fight has already been won and that we have squashed the novel virus. But due to the diligent work of our people at DoH and our front liners in the field and in the hospitals, we were able to stall the increase in the number of cases and treat those afflicted accordingly,” he said.