Breaking: Somsak Stops Medical Council's Action Against Docs over Thaksin's Hospital Stay
Medical Council's proposed actions against physicians face opposition from Somsak, as he overturns the resolution.
No surprises here! Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has pulled the plug on the Medical Council of Thailand's decision to discipline three doctors for their opinion that allowed Thaksin Shinawatra, ex-prime-minister, to chill at Police General Hospital instead of the Bangkok Remand Prison.
According to Somsak's aide, Thanakrit Jitareerat, the minister sent his dissenting opinion to the council at 4 pm on Wednesday, requesting them to take another look at their initial decision.
After a committee appointed by Somsak reviewed the council’s resolution, they presented their findings on Tuesday. Somsak's new opinion was then sent back to the council the next day.
Rumors were rife that Somsak would veto the council's decision to sanction the three doctors who thought it was a swell idea for Thaksin to stay at the PGH for six months instead of chilling in the remand prison. Thaksin had been released on parole in February last year following his extended stay at the hospital.
Thanakrit said the council scrutinized four doctors accused of violating medical ethics due to their opinions on Thaksin’s health condition.
The council closed the case against one doctor, but decided to punish the other three, with one getting a warning and the other two facing suspensions of their medical licenses. Somsak voiced his agreement and disagreement with the council's decisions regarding these four doctors, according to Thanakrit.
While Somsak's exact opinions remain under wraps, it is reported that he supported the dismissal of one complaint but was not a fan of the punishments for the other three.
This veto came just a day after Thaksin's critic had a pop at the council, claiming some members displayed bias and questionable professional ethics.
The Medical Council plans to meet again on June 12, following Somsak's reply. Should they want to stick to their original decision, they'll need at least 47 votes, which seems unlikely as the panel includes government officials who typically follow official guidelines.
TAGS* Somsak* Thaksin* Police General Hospital* Medical Council* Thai Politics
- Somsak Thepsutin, the Public Health Minister, has nullified the Medical Council of Thailand's decision to discipline three doctors for their opinion on Thaksin Shinawatra's stay at the Police General Hospital.
- After reviewing the council’s resolution, a committee appointed by Somsak found discrepancies in their initial decision and presented their findings to him.
- In response to the review, Somsak expressed his agreement and disagreement with the council's decisions regarding the four doctors involved in the controversy surrounding Thaksin’s health condition.
- This latest development in Thai politics has generated discussions on health-and-wellness and medical ethics, with some critics suggesting questionable professional behavior by certain council members.
- As the Medical Council prepares to meet again on June 12 to discuss their next steps, it seems unlikely they will garner the necessary 47 votes to uphold their original decision, given the influence of government officials who generally follow official guidelines.
