Bangkok: Senators involved in the medical profession have raised concerns regarding the Minister of Public Health’s recent ‘veto’ of a Medical Council resolution, fearing it may undermine confidence in professional organizations. The senators stressed that professional organizations should maintain independence and not be used to distort the justice process.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Prapon Tangsrikiattikul, a Senate member, along with fellow senators from the medical profession, addressed the veto, highlighting that it marks the first time in over 40 years that the Minister of Public Health, as the special president, has overridden a Medical Professional Committee resolution. Dr. Prapon emphasized that the medical professional body serves as a pillar for safety standards, patient protection, and professional ethics, rather than a political entity. He expressed concern that diverting expert medical opinions for individual gain could damage justice.
Dr. Prapon further noted that the veto could erode confidence in the system of professional organizations, which includes entities like the Nursing Council and Pharmacy Council. He argued that professional councils should self-regulate, as they are best equipped to uphold the ethics of their practice as defined by the 1982 law. He also urged the media, in his capacity as a member of the Senate’s Public Health Committee, to refrain from using professional organizations to distort justice, pointing out the public’s disagreement with the veto.
When asked about involving the Minister of Public Health in discussions, Dr. Prapon reiterated his role in the press conference as a senator with relevant expertise. He stated that the committee must establish a framework and continuously engage with the medical community to identify any procedural obstacles, including those potentially posed by the minister.
Dr. Weerapan Suwannammai, another Senate member and vice chairman of the Senate’s Public Health Committee, pointed out that the medical sector’s demands have been intertwined with political issues, leading to societal questions. He defended the collection of signatures by doctors as a legal right and a positive expression of democratic engagement. Dr. Weerapan called on Medical Council members to contribute their honest opinions at the upcoming meeting on June 12, encouraging active participation in the democratic process.
Dr. Weerapan also addressed concerns about potential political alignment within the medical community, emphasizing that opinions are divided and not uniformly against any accused party. He highlighted that signing petitions is a reflection of rights and freedoms within a democratic society.