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He said he would retain the enforcement of compulsory licensing for HIV/Aids, heart and four cancer drugs, insisting that patients were still at the top of his agenda.

"Everything done with the compulsory licensing issue must remain the same. I will not do anything to cancel this enforcement, though I am open to discussions with anyone including drug companies," he said.

Chalerm spent his first day on the job by discussing the matter with top-level officials at the ministry.

During the hour-long meeting, he told the officials to follow the 12 health policies, which he believes could improve the management of public health administration and medical service.

The policies Chalerm was referring to include developing health services in line with His Majesty's ideas; preparing for emergencies and natural disasters; bringing medical services up to international standards; promoting local health businesses in world markets; developing health services in the South; and developing manpower to support the health system nationwide.

He added that he wanted to discuss the exodus of rural health officials and the problem of malpractice lawsuits with provincial health office chiefs and hospital directors. Chalerm also expressed concerns over Phuket's Patong Hospital where seven doctors quit due to heavy workload. He has asked the permanent secretary to help resolve this problem as soon as possible. He also wants to meet the doctors so they can tell him their problems and help him come up with the best resolution.

During his walk into the Public Health Ministry's permanent secretary's office, Chalerm was greeted by hundreds of people, while health officials welcomed him to the ministry with a bunch of roses. Chalerm responded by kissing one of his supporters.