Bangkok: Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin provided an explanation for his recent veto of the Medical Council's resolution regarding the punishment of three doctors.
According to Thai News Agency, Somsak emphasized that his decision was based on detailed considerations of the facts presented by the Ethics Committee and the Fact-Finding Committee. The Ethics Committee had initially found the doctors guilty, but after a four-month investigation, the Fact-Finding Committee concluded that Dr. Watchai Mingbanjerdsuk, the director of the Corrections Hospital, was not guilty. Dr. Ruamthip Suphanan was reprimanded, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Sophonrat Singhacharu received a reprimand, while Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesin Wetchavitarn was found not guilty.
Somsak highlighted that his veto was informed by the fact-finding committee's report, as he didn't receive responses from the ethics screening committee despite multiple requests. He agreed with the Medical Council's decision not to punish Dr. Watchai and found that Dr. Ruamthip did not have the authority to transfer inmates, thus giving him the benefit of the doubt. Similarly, he supported Pol. Lt. Gen. Sophonrat, who provided a report without claiming the patient was critically ill. Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesin's medical order was considered consistent with the patient's conditions, as per the fact-finding committee's findings.
Somsak expressed concern that setting a new standard of punishment could disrupt practices nationwide. He insisted that the punishment rate should not change to avoid unnecessary repercussions for the medical community. He also mentioned that this situation arose because someone had lodged a complaint, which was not common previously.
Addressing concerns about the veto appearing selective, Somsak clarified that the Corrections Department regulations do not authorize doctor transfers, which supported his decision. He also stated that if the Medical Council decided to punish the doctors on June 12, it would not affect his credibility, as legal experts were already reviewing the matter.
Somsak is unfazed by potential attempts to remove him from office, citing his long political career. He emphasized his commitment to fairness and reason, denying any bias or influence from external sources, including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He also dismissed the notion of his decision sparking a conflict with the Medical Council, asserting that his actions were meant to protect doctors from unfair penalties.
In response to questions about Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong's participation in the upcoming Medical Council meeting, Dr. Opas chose not to comment. Somsak reiterated that his veto decision was based on available information and not influenced by any external orders.