Thai hospitals probed over fake migrant health certificates
Officials warn of licence revocations if fraud confirmed
Private hospitals in Thailand are facing a scandal after allegations surfaced that they have been issuing fake health certificates to migrant workers without carrying out proper medical checks.
Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho announced yesterday, August 19, that two to three hospitals are under investigation, with early evidence suggesting doctors signed off on the fraudulent certificates without conducting blood tests, X-rays, or other essential procedures.
Chaichana stressed the seriousness of the case, branding it a “severe violation of medical ethics” that could jeopardise the nation’s public health.
“If wrongdoing is confirmed with clear evidence, I will personally oversee the enforcement. This cannot be left unresolved.”
The alleged malpractice not only undermines medical standards but also poses a major health threat. By certifying untested migrant workers, hospitals could inadvertently allow infectious diseases to spread, endangering both Thai citizens and other migrant communities.
Officials have warned that if the accusations are proven, the implicated hospitals will face licence revocation, while the doctors involved risk losing their professional licences.
In addition to hospitals, recruitment agencies offering mobile health check services are also being placed under closer scrutiny. The Department of Disease Control and local hospitals will step up monitoring to ensure proper protocols are followed, reported Bangkok Post.
Chaichana said the ministry is determined to restore public trust by ensuring full accountability.
“This is not a minor mistake—it’s a direct threat to national health security. Those responsible will face the harshest penalties.”
The probe reflects growing concern over loopholes in Thailand’s healthcare system and the role of private hospitals in certifying the country’s vast migrant workforce. Migrant workers, mainly from neighbouring Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, form a crucial part of Thailand’s labour force, particularly in construction, agriculture, and the service sector.
However, health certification is a mandatory requirement for employment, designed to screen for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and hepatitis. Skipping these checks for profit not only endangers individuals but also undermines the integrity of the country’s healthcare system.
The investigation is ongoing, but officials have promised swift action if malpractice is confirmed.
For now, all eyes remain on the hospitals under scrutiny, with the scandal raising fresh questions about oversight, ethics, and the risks of cutting corners in the name of profit.
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