Bangkok: The chief physician of the Police General Hospital has taken legal action to challenge a recent resolution by the Medical Council concerning the treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the hospital. The physician has sent his personal lawyer to seek justice for what he perceives as an unfair resolution regarding the treatment provided on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Netithorn Linhatrakul, the personal lawyer authorized by Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesin Wetchavitarn, Chief Medical Officer (Level 8) of the Police General Hospital, filed a petition for justice. The petition was submitted to Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, who serves as Chairman of the Special Council. The request addresses the Medical Council’s resolution, which involved an ethics case against doctors from various hospitals, including the Police General Hospital. The resolution punished three doctors, with one receiving a warning for not meeting medical standards and two others facing suspension for providing inaccurate medical documents.
Colonel Dr. Thanakrit Chit-areerat, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Public Health, received the petition on behalf of the Minister. He noted that the attorney had submitted the request for justice to Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin. Dr. Thanakrit, responsible for handling complaints, stated that the case will be presented to the Minister for further consideration regarding the Medical Council’s opinion on the diagnosis of Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr. Netithorn explained that he was acting under a power of attorney to request a review of the Medical Council’s order. He refrained from discussing specific details publicly, emphasizing that the request for justice aims to address the impact of media reports on Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesin’s reputation. He expressed the Chief Medical Officer’s discomfort with the media coverage and the need to exercise legal rights to protect his image.
Colonel Dr. Thanakrit mentioned that the request for fairness stemmed from concerns about the evidence and data used in the treatment’s evaluation. The Chief Medical Officer sought to provide additional information for the Special President’s consideration, ensuring clarity in aspects not previously explained to the Medical Council. The Minister of Public Health has yet to receive a formal letter from the Medical Council, prompting the need for further investigation.
The Ministry plans to set up a working group to examine the legal and factual aspects of the case, with a decision expected within 15 days after receiving the Medical Council’s letter. The focus will be on determining whether the doctor’s diagnosis adhered to professional standards.
The petition highlighted concerns over non-empirical data used during the treatment, suggesting that not all diagnostic information was considered. Additional empirical data has been submitted for review to ensure that the actions taken were within the professional framework, aiming for a thorough evaluation by the Special President.