Bangkok: A Public Health Ministry spokesperson has criticized Dr. Tul Sitthisomwong for defending a doctor involved in a leaked Line chat controversy, urging him to review the Medical Profession Act and Ethics Regulations. The spokesperson emphasized that doctors who bring disrepute to the profession have historically faced disciplinary action from the Medical Council.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Treechada Sritada, the Ministry of Public Health's political spokesperson, addressed Dr. Tul's recent 7-point statement. Dr. Tul had questioned the authority of Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, the Minister of Public Health, regarding the ethics of medical professionals and the Medical Council's ability to scrutinize the behavior of doctors involved in the leaked Line chat. Ms. Treechada argued that such statements might create societal misunderstandings and tarnish Mr. Somsak's reputation.
Ms. Treechada clarified several points:
1. The Ministry of Public Health had sent an urgent letter to the Medical Council and the Center for Suppression of Technology Crimes, requesting them to investigate the ethics and behavior of certain Medical Council members regarding the leaked Line chats. This was prompted by a complaint that needed addressing to prevent the notion that expressing opinions via social media, particularly Line, was free of consequence.
2. She noted Dr. Tul's misunderstanding regarding the Medical Council's authority, emphasizing that the Medical Profession Act B.E. 2525 empowers the Council to oversee ethics and discipline doctors who damage the profession's reputation. The Council has a history of addressing such complaints, with actions ranging from warnings to dismissals.
3. Ms. Treechada defended the Minister of Public Health's decision to veto the Medical Council's resolution to suspend two doctors' licenses, labeling it an excessively harsh punishment. She explained that the Medical Profession Act of 1982 allows the Minister, as a special president, to veto such decisions. Furthermore, Section 24 of the Act permits the special president to participate in or submit opinions to the Medical Council meetings.
4. She noted that the Medical Council was set to meet soon to decide whether to uphold the suspension of the two doctors' licenses or reconsider it, as suggested by the Minister of Public Health. Ms. Treechada urged all parties to await the outcome and accept the resolution, stressing that unethical actions by some doctors causing harm to others must be addressed legally.
Ms. Treechada concluded by asserting that all actions should comply with the law, cautioning against mob influence or lobbying. She emphasized that the elected Medical Council must adhere to legal duties and remain transparent, urging those uninvolved to observe without misleading the public.