GPO director says paracetamol probe hasty

The doctor was reacting yesterday to the DSI’s conclusions after an initial investigation, without allowing him to give a statement. Witit said he had asked for a postponement of his statement to May 7 and he claimed the DSI had given him permission in writing. 

Witit’s lawyer Somsak Toraksa questioned the credibility of the DSI’s conclusions in the case without hearing Witit. He said the GPO, Witit and officials subject to the DSI investigation and public criticism would all be affected by the DSI action if the National Anti-Corruption Commission eventually agrees not to indict them in later stages.

Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawa-narong, who raised the issue with the DSI, said Witit’s apprehensions of losing face in the eyes of the public as a result of the DSI probe would become inexcusable if the NACC indicted him. A decision on suspending former Pharmaceutical Commis-sion chairman Dr Witchai Chokewiwat would depend on a probe result, which will be discussed at a GPO meeting late this month, incumbent chairman Dr Phiphat Yingseri said.

The Senate panel on anti-corruption affairs and good governance has received a petition by 17 of GPO’s union members complaining about Pradit raising the issue without seeking internal scrutiny and a subsequent criminal probe by the DSI. The panel met yesterday to discuss the petition, but the results were not concluded at press time.