Bangkok: Thanakrit urges the Medical Council to submit additional documents within 15 days, as current documentation is insufficient for diagnosis. He emphasizes that the committee, which is trusted by the Public Health Minister, is focused on disciplining doctors rather than addressing critical illnesses.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting of the Committee, tasked with reviewing the Medical Council's opinions under Section 25 of the Medical Profession Act B.E. 2525, was concluded with a press conference led by Mr. Chainan Ngamkhajornkulkit, Chairman of the Committee, and Mr. Kongtri Thanakrit Chit-Areerat, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Public Health. They stated that some documents necessary for the committee's work were still missing.
Colonel Thanakrit revealed that the meeting's primary agenda was an introduction of the committee members and a review of documents from the Medical Council. The committee found certain documents lacking and has requested the Medical Council to provide them. This is crucial as the work timeline is limited. Once received, the committee aims to expedite the review process. If delays occur, another meeting is scheduled for May 26, with all findings to be presented to Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, by the end of May.
In response to inquiries about the missing information, Colonel Thanakrit explained that documents from the initial complaint to the Secretary-General of the Medical Council are absent. These documents are crucial for assessing the validity of the complaints and will be reviewed by the Ethics and Screening Committees.
Addressing concerns about the committee's neutrality due to past associations with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Lieutenant Colonel Thanakrit stressed the importance of focusing solely on the Medical Council's recommendations for disciplining doctors, avoiding political affiliations.
Questions regarding the committee's composition, primarily lawyers, and the potential for legal loopholes were addressed by Colonel Thanakrit, who assured that the committee includes doctors to provide necessary medical insights. He emphasized that the committee was selected based on trustworthiness and competence in handling legal and factual matters.
Colonel Thanakrit further clarified that some missing documents are like "missing a stalk of corn," and are essential for comprehensive consideration. He urged readiness within the committee and expressed hope for the Medical Council to rectify the documentation within the 15-day timeframe, allowing ample time for review.