Thailand's Medical Council Warns Against Misuse of Doctor Endorsements
New regulations penalize doctors and clinic owners involved in unethical name usage practices.
The Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) has issued a warning against doctors who allow their names to be used for endorsing clinics without actually working there, a practice deemed unethical and illegal under new regulations set to take effect on February 9. Violators face penalties ranging from a one-year suspension of their medical licenses to permanent revocation for repeat offenses.
This announcement follows recent public attention on the issue, sparked by reports involving Senator Keskamol Pleansamai, whose disclosed assets included income from having her name displayed at a clinic where she did not work.
According to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), approximately two hundred ten thousand baht of her annual income was attributed to this arrangement.
Dr. Methee Wongsirisuwan, Assistant Secretary at the MCT, highlighted that 'on the sign' doctors, who lend their names to clinics for monthly payments of up to fifty thousand baht, often claim ignorance of ethical violations.
However, this practice breaches disciplinary rules and the new Medical Council regulations.
Dr. Methee urged newly graduated doctors to avoid these schemes to safeguard their medical careers.
The Department of Health Service Support (HSS) also enforces compliance with the Medical Facilities Act of 1998, which mandates that doctors whose names are displayed at clinics must actively work there.
Dr. Arkhom Praditsuwan, Deputy Director of the HSS, emphasized that clinic owners and managers found guilty of exploiting such schemes could face penalties, including fines of up to forty thousand baht and prison sentences of up to five years.
The MCT has called on medical professionals to adhere to ethical practices to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure patient trust.
This announcement follows recent public attention on the issue, sparked by reports involving Senator Keskamol Pleansamai, whose disclosed assets included income from having her name displayed at a clinic where she did not work.
According to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), approximately two hundred ten thousand baht of her annual income was attributed to this arrangement.
Dr. Methee Wongsirisuwan, Assistant Secretary at the MCT, highlighted that 'on the sign' doctors, who lend their names to clinics for monthly payments of up to fifty thousand baht, often claim ignorance of ethical violations.
However, this practice breaches disciplinary rules and the new Medical Council regulations.
Dr. Methee urged newly graduated doctors to avoid these schemes to safeguard their medical careers.
The Department of Health Service Support (HSS) also enforces compliance with the Medical Facilities Act of 1998, which mandates that doctors whose names are displayed at clinics must actively work there.
Dr. Arkhom Praditsuwan, Deputy Director of the HSS, emphasized that clinic owners and managers found guilty of exploiting such schemes could face penalties, including fines of up to forty thousand baht and prison sentences of up to five years.
The MCT has called on medical professionals to adhere to ethical practices to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure patient trust.
