In contrast to the Secretaries of Health who immediately preceded him Dr. Amadeo H. Cruz rose from the ranks. He started as the President of a Sanitary Division in the bureau of Health in 1930. He was Medical Officer then Chief of the Epidemiology and Statistics Section of the Bureau of Health, chief of the Division of Preventable Diseases and then Chief of Field Operations. He was Director of Health Services before his appointment as Secretary of Health.

During his term the Philippine Medical Care Act was passed. A Malaria Eradication Program using DDT for spraying was initiated. With assistance from Japan, a poliomyelitis eradication program was initiated using oral polyvalent vaccines. The curative approach to Schistosomiasis control gained emphasis and a comprehensive program to combat malnutrition was launched. He died while still in office.