THE Department of Health (DoH) on Thursday said the agency 'respects and confirms [the] withdrawal of Dr. Anthony Leachon as health special adviser for non-communicable diseases'.

'Among many other well meaning friends of the Department, Internist and Cardiologist Dr. Anthony Leachon volunteered his time and effort to assist on noncommunicable diseases. The Department is grateful for this expression of support. With recent developments, the DoH respects and confirms Dr. Leachon's withdrawal from his proposed engagement,' the department said in a statement.