GPO acting chief vows clean-up
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The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO)'s acting managing-director Pissamorn Klinsu-wan has vowed to clear all chronic problems with the state drug maker, including the stockpile of raw materials to produce paracetamol and vaccines.
However, following the conflict inside and outside the GPO, she admitted it would be tough for her to resolve all the problems, saying she [felt like] a pawn in a game of chess. “I don’t want people to say I am here because I want to replace the former GPO’s managing director, Witit Artavatkun. I am here to work,” she said.
Before taking this position at the GPO, Pissamorn was accused of being involved in irregularities over medicine procurement worth Bt1.4 billion 15 years ago.
She has been quiet during the past week over the allegations,.
“I know what I will be facing when I take this post. I am better keeping silent,” she added.
Pissamorn has only four months due before her retirement in October. She said she would resolve all the problems burdening the GPO, such as the stockpile of raw materials to produce paracetamol. She said she would talk with the company to seek a resolution in returning the tainted raw materials. Three resolutions have been proposed on what to do with the 148 tonnes of raw paracetamol material.
The first resolution: GPO will return all raw material to the company but GPO has to pay Bt6 million towards the company’s tax bill. The second option: GPO will ask the company to give the raw material over to produce other medicine. The third option: GPO will ask the company to exchange the raw material needed to produce paracetamol and will ask the Food and Drug Administration to check its quality.
