Doctor federation backs Public Health pick
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Dr Pradith Sinthawanarong, who is tipped to become the new public health minister, yesterday got the backing of the Thai Federation of General and Central Hospital Doctors.
Pradith, 53, is a close friend of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. As an executive board member of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), he played a key role in merging the government’s scheme with the unlimited emergency medical treatment plan.
He was an associate of Yingluck’s when she was dealing in real estate and he ran an interior decoration business.
Moreover, he has the ear of current Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri, who always listened to Pradith’s ideas in meetings of the NHSO executive board.
Pradith graduated from Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine and got a master’s in international public health management at Harvard University. He has worked for several government health agencies, served as a board member of Thai Airways International and served as president of the home-furnishings chain Decor Mart.
“He is the man who truly understands the country’s public health system and always listens to other people’s opinions. I believe he would lead the country’s public health system in the right direction,” said Dr Prachumporn Boonchareon, chairperson of the federation.
A more cautious view was espoused by Nimitr Tian-udom of the Aids Access Foundation, who said he wants to wait and see what Pradith will do to improve public health.
More work needs to be done with regard to medical services for stateless people, the relationship between patient and doctor and the impact on public health from the Asean Economic Community 2015.
“He needs to take time to prove himself,” Nimitr said. “We will keep a close eye on whether he will protect both doctor and patient or not.”
Pradith yesterday refused to comment on his possible appointment.
