Resources for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Concern over change at FDA

www.bangkokpost.com

The abrupt transfer of Sunai Manomai-udom, head of the Department of Special Investigation, by Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat was widely viewed by critics as a likely attempt to whitewash criminal charges pending against ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family.

Similarly, the recent removal of Siriwat Tiptaradol as head of the Food and Drug Administration is no less controversial. Health activists and patient networks are suspicious that Dr Siriwat's surprise transfer may have something to do with his staunch advocacy and support for compulsory licensing of certain patented drugs.

Justice Minister Sompong could not provide an acceptable explanation to justify Mr Sunai's removal. Similarly, Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab has been unable to convince people that the FDA chief's transfer was justified and completely devoid of ulterior motives. Apart from the official reason - "for the sake of suitability" - Mr Chaiya said the transfer was meant to improve the working of the ministry and that he had no personal grudge against the victim. The minister also hinted that the transfer was linked to the FDA's delayed inquiries into illegal energy drinks and imports of unhygienic pork meat.

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