74 former senators rally in support of Medical Council

A group of 74 former senators have signed up to support the Medical Council in its upholding of its ruling to discipline three doctors in connection with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s six-month stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital (PGH). He did not serve one day of his sentence in prison.

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, in his capacity as special chair of the Medical Council, then vetoed the council’s ruling, claiming that the three doctors did not breach medical ethics.

Led by Dr. Jate Sirathranon, the former senators noted in their letter, addressed to the Medical Council, that to uphold the council’s May 8th ruling it needs the votes of at least 47 of its 70 members, which is challenge, but that the case is being monitored very closely by the public.

As the decision of the council members will have an impact on the credibility of the Medical Council, and the prestige of present and future medical practitioners, the former senators appealed to all members to attend the council’s meeting on June 12th.

They also urged the council members to base their judgement on professional ethics and to make their decision free from outside pressure.

The three doctors disciplined by the council are Pol Lt-Gen Sophonrat Singhacharu, former chief doctor at the PGH and assistant commissioner-general of the police, Pol Lt-Gen Thaweesilp Wechvitarn, the incumbent chief doctor at PGH and Dr. Ruamthip Supanan of the Corrections Department’s hospital.

Many doctors have also rallied in support of the council in the confrontation with Somsak.