Somsak pressed on Thaksin probe

Medical ethics case sent to minister

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin is facing mounting pressure to intervene in the high-profile medical ethics case involving former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s six-month stay in a police hospital, after the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) officially submitted the report for the minister to review.

Assoc Prof Dr Torpon Vathana, the MCT’s assistant secretary, submitted the report yesterday along with Thanakrit Jitareerat, vice-minister at the Public Health Ministry, representing Mr Somsak.

The MCT’s Ethics Committee on May 8 examined the conduct of three doctors involved in Thaksin's treatment and recommended disciplinary action.

Dr Ruamthip Supanan, who was responsible for his initial health screening at Bangkok Remand Prison, received a formal reprimand for issuing a premature medical referral.