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Published on April 11, 2008

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap yesterday lashed out at the permanent health secretary for failing to control a group of rural doctors he claims have been aggressive toward him since he took the post.

He also announced he would remain as public health minister until the Constitution Court rules whether or not he has been disqualified.

"I am now closely watching a senior health official who has refused to transfer level 7 officials. The permanent secretary is the only person who can do that," he said before thousands of supporters at his Nakhon Pathom residence. " Now, this group of level 7 rural doctors are claiming I am immature. How dare these junior doctors complain about me. What's more, a senior health official has done nothing to resolve this problem. If I can't transfer a high level position, then my position is meaningless," he said.

The rural doctors have conducted a campaign against Chaiya since he announced a review of the enforcement of compulsory licensing of cancer drugs by his predecessor, Mongkol na Songkhla.

The doctors' group also performed an "exorcism" on Chaiya, they said would protect them from "evil" that has haunted the ministry since he took charge.

The rural doctors have teamed up with the Foundation for Consumers and patient networks to collect 20,000 signatures they will submit to the upper house to impeach the public health minister and oust him from the position.

The National Counter Corruption Commission has found Chaiya guilty of failing to submit his wife's shareholding to the NCCC within 30 days of being named minister.  Chaiya said he would not quit and decide his next move until the  outcome of the judicial review by the Constitution Court.

The Public Health Ministry's permanent secretary, Dr Prat Boonyawong-sevirong said he would resolve the problem with rural doctors as soon as possible, but did not mention how he would do it.

PONGPHON SARNSAMAK

THE NATION