MANILA, Philippines - Newly-appointed Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral is not planning a major revamp of health programs when she officially takes over the portfolio this week, but she called for higher spending for healthcare.

In an interview on ANC's News@8 on Tuesday, Cabral said she's content with continuing the major programs of the Department of Health (DOH), initiated by outgoing Health Secretary Francisco Duque.

However, she believes that government needs to spend more for healthcare.

"First thing we need to do is convince the policy-makers that we are not spending enough for healthcare.  The World Health Organization says on the average, 5% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of a country should be spent on healthcare and we are spending 1%. This is why there are not enough hospital beds and doctors are leaving. I'm not looking at people who can afford healthcare. I will look at people who can't afford and (can't) access healthcare. Those are the ones we need to look after," she added.

Duque has been appointed head of the Civil Service Commission.

"Obviously, I have very limited time.  It may not be enough to achieve my dreams for the DOH. I will be content with continuing the major programs of the DOH in the next five and a half months," Cabral said.