State hospital investigation into ‘suspicious’ drug company donations

More than a hundred hospitals will be investigated for allegedly receiving what health officials are describing as “suspicious” donations from pharmaceutical companies. The hospitals allegedly had a deal with the some of the drug companies – hospitals get a 5% discount and the rebate would be sent back to the hospital, labelling it as a “donation”.

The 186 hospitals being investigated could face serious disciplinary action if the allegations are found to be true – that’s about 20% of Thailand’s state-run hospitals. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who ordered the probe, said the investigation should be simple, if the hospitals have the appropriate receipts. If the receipts are accurate, “hospitals will he fine”, he says. If not, he says there will be a problem.

If the accuser is caught lying about the allegations, Charnvirakul says they will be held accountable.

“Both sides will be held responsible if guilty.”

SOURCE: Bangkok Post