Bangkok: Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has raised concerns regarding the media reports about the suspension of two doctors on the 14th floor by the Medical Council. Somsak clarified that the Medical Council has not yet convened, and the information circulating is speculative. He emphasized his inability to influence decisions, highlighting that the council is composed of qualified individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, Somsak addressed the rumors suggesting that the Medical Council’s investigation had led to the suspension of the doctors. He pointed out that reports claimed the council had met and reached a decision, but he confirmed that no such meeting had taken place. Somsak expressed uncertainty about how the media obtained this information, suggesting that it might be speculative. As the special president of the Medical Council, he stated that he has the authority to approve or disapprove meeting reports, but no decision has been made as there has been no meeting scheduled yet.
Somsak stressed, “I cannot persuade or make anyone agree or disagree because the majority of the committee is about 71-72 qualified persons…I cannot lobby anyone at all.” He questioned the media’s intentions, remarking that he had not witnessed any disagreement in the past.
When asked if he would agree with any proposal from the Medical Council, Somsak noted that he would usually align with such decisions. He mentioned that if there are any complaints or doubts about the results, they would need to be carefully reviewed to avoid negligence on part of the ministry.
Regarding the process following his agreement with the Medical Council’s resolution, Somsak explained that if the resolution is approved, the matter would be concluded. However, in the event of disagreement, it would return to the Medical Council, requiring a 2/3 majority, or 48 votes, for confirmation. Conversely, if the disagreement aligns with the Public Health Minister’s view, a 1/3 majority, or 24 votes, would suffice.