Ex-FDA chief at centre of CL row promoted
APIRADEE TREERUTKUARKUL
Former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chief Siriwat Tiptaradol, who was transferred to an inactive post by the previous health minister, has been promoted to deputy permanent secretary of the Health Ministry.
Public Health Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said the appointment, effective from Oct 1, was appropriate for Dr Siriwat, as he has the qualifications to assist the permanent secretary.
Dr Siriwat was transferred to an inactive position in March by then public health minister Chaiya Sasomsab, who is now commerce minister.
His removal was seen as a result of his support for the the policy of compulsory licensing (CL) of patented medications.
He was directly involved with this and was seen as a close aide to former public health minister Mongkol na Songkhla, who approved CL to bypass patents on Aids, heart and cancer drugs.
He also chaired a panel working on negotiating drug prices with pharmaceutical companies.
The minister's order to remove him sparked uproar among public health civil servants and health activists.
Mr Chavarat, however, has left permanent secretary Prat Boonyawongwirote to decide if Dr Siriwat will be assigned to oversee the policy on medical access to life-saving medicines via CL.
In response to his promotion, Dr Siriwat thanked Mr Chavarat for giving him justice. However he would have to consult his lawyer about whether he should cancel his petition to the Administrative Court over the allegedly unfair transfer by Mr Chaiya.
Apart from Dr Siriwat, FDA secretary-general Chatree Bancheun has been appointed chief of the Mental Health Department, while deputy permanent secretary for health Pipat Yingseree has been transferred to the top FDA post.
Mental Health Department chief Somchai Chakrabhandu has been made Disease Control Department director-general, while ministry inspector Nara Nakwatcharanukul has been appointed chief of the Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
Ministry inspector Somyos Deer-asami becomes chief of the Health Service Support Department.
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