Bangkok: Somsak clarified the issue of Dr. Suphat's complaint, insisting that the investigation is being conducted in accordance with government regulations. He indicated that there is still time to ensure fairness before the committee meets in September. He is willing to disclose the investigation results if they are not confidential. He suggested that senators, if they have information about other hospitals, can file complaints.
According to Thai News Agency, during the Senate meeting, General Kriangkrai Srirat, First Vice President of the Senate, considered a live question from Senator Thewarit Maneechai. He questioned Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin regarding Dr. Suphat Hasuwankit, Director of Saba Yoi Hospital in Songkhla Province and President of the Rural Doctors Club. He questioned whether this action constituted discrimination, as other hospitals participating in the same project were not investigated. He asked the Minister whether he viewed this as discrimination and what the appropriate course of action would be.
Mr. Somsak clarified that in the case of Dr. Suphat, complaints were filed in Songkhla Province, and the Ministry had ordered internal auditors to investigate. The chief internal auditor visited Chana Hospital and Ranot Hospital. The incident arose from procurement in 2021, but an investigation in 2023 revealed administrative deficiencies at the director's level. These included ATK procurement, approval of shared purchases, and other issues related to travel to Bangkok for the Rural Doctors in Bangkok event. The construction of an 8-story building with a design change without contract amendments, the order to change the design without accountability, and minor procurement issues, such as the conversion of government vehicles.
Mr. Somsak further stated that upon receiving the complaint, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health appointed a committee to investigate both serious and non-serious disciplinary matters in accordance with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) regulations. The committee was changed three times. The first committee was established and, following complaints that the existing committee might not have treated the accused unfairly, a second committee was formed. The second committee was changed again because the secretary of the committee had changed careers from the Ministry of Public Health to the Office of the Attorney General. This has resulted in a third change in the committee. The third action is currently under investigation and a report is being prepared. On August 15th, a confidential resolution was passed, and I am unaware of the final decision. This resolution will be submitted to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health to be submitted to the Civil Service Subcommittee ( CSSB), chaired by the Minister of Public Health. The meeting will take place in September.
"These discussions must be conducted in accordance with government regulations, and the matter has not yet reached me. I will provide the utmost fairness once I have received the information. Since there has been no meeting, there is still time to make decisions that benefit all parties. Regarding the results of the investigation, if there are any matters not required to be confidential, I am happy to disclose them. However, if there are government regulations, I am reluctant to do so. However, I will provide full cooperation," Mr. Somsak explained.
Mr. Somsak also stated that as to why the investigation didn't include inspecting other hospitals, he explained that most of the investigations that we politicians conduct are complaints. If no one files a complaint, the investigation will be slow because there's no follow-up. If a senator wants an investigation into a particular hospital, he can submit a complaint requesting action.
"In my heart, I understand the urgent need for ATK procurement to provide services to the public during illness. However, this matter is governed by government regulations. I've been aware of this and have pleaded with the government to draft legislation. Those who do not intend to commit a crime, but do so in violation of government regulations, constitute a form of corruption. Therefore, it is the government's duty to ensure compliance," said Mr. Somsak.