Health activists demand govt halt all changes to ThaiHealth bill by Nov 18

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Health activists demand govt halt all changes to ThaiHealth bill by Nov 18

By The Nation

 

File photo: Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn

 

HEALTH ACTIVISTS are threatening to rally outside Government House if a new bill – seen as a risk to the heart of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) operations – is pushed through.

 

They have also given an ultimatum, saying Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn or Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha have until November 18 to stop moves to change the current ThaiHealth law. 

 

“If our demands fall on deaf ears, we will take the issue directly to Government House,” Health Promotion Movement’s coordinator Jekaphan Prommongkhon said yesterday, after his group submitted a petition at the Public Health Ministry. 

 

The petition was addressed to Piyasakol, but was accepted by an official on his behalf. 

 

Prepared by Public Health, Justice and Finance ministries, the Thai Health Promotion (ThaiHealth) Bill is now ready for public hearings. 

 

In essence, the new bill seeks to limit the foundation’s annual budget to no more than Bt4 billion, and states that the ThaiHealth Board’s decisions will not be considered as final and will be reviewed by the Finance Ministry. 

 

“Apparently, this draft law seeks to put ThaiHealth, a public organisation, under the bureaucratic system,” Chuwit Jantaros, secretary to Alcohol Watch Network, said. 

 

He also pointed out that ThaiHealth, which promotes healthy habits among Thais, currently operates under an annual budget of Bt4.6 billion. 

 

“We need to protect ThaiHealth and its objectives,” he said, explaining that ThaiHealth spends its funds to encourage local people to take good care of their health. When people are healthy, the government’s medical expenses will reduce, he said. 

 

“ThaiHealth was established as a special organisation, so it is not restricted by bureaucratic red tape and can engage civic organisations,” Chuwit added.

 

Jekaphan also accused the authorities of trying to rush the bill through. 

 

“There is no need to rush the bill,” he said. “Let’s wait until we get elected representatives of the people in Parliament. Then they can see if any legal changes related to ThaiHealth are necessary.”

 

Health activists who are against the bill will express their opposition via letters submitted to provincial governors or the government’s complaint-receiving centres in their region until November 18. 

 

Dr Seree Tuchinda, chief adviser to Piyasakol and chair of the bill-drafting committee, said opinions on the draft law were welcome. 

 

“We are in the process of gathering opinions and analysing possible impacts,” he said. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30357466

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-10-30

 

[sweatalot]

Another Thai organization that wants money but don't want to be controlled?

 

I never heard about that organization. Seems they might have good intentions. 

As every organization that receivves money from the government they are responsible for correct use of it. So they will need officers who decide how to use the money correctly,  take the responsibility and   report to the government.  

Further if they are spending public money they should show proof of the results. - Poor results - no money. 

What is wrong with this?

 

And - no need to mention - they should use the money for the purpose not to enrich themselves.

 

 

 

 

[robblok]

59 minutes ago, sweatalot said:

Another Thai organization that wants money but don't want to be controlled?

 

I never heard about that organization. Seems they might have good intentions. 

As every organization that receivves money from the government they are responsible for correct use of it. So they will need officers who decide how to use the money correctly,  take the responsibility and   report to the government.  

Further if they are spending public money they should show proof of the results. - Poor results - no money. 

What is wrong with this?

 

And - no need to mention - they should use the money for the purpose not to enrich themselves.

 

 

 

 

Seem all reasonable demands to make sure money is spend well.. it could ofcourse also backfire, bringing in corruption. But i agree checks should be there if they are not already there.

[zzaa09]

Might we ever expect a solid check and balance system from any Thai government - be it worthy civilian or military? 

 

The graft and corruption is so historically deep and commonplace, it's become second nature.

Attempting to disguise it through legislative mandates and judicial acts is the oldest trick in the book - and use universally forever.