[Ip-health] Cabinet sacks entire board of the GPO

[Kannikar KIJTIWATCHAKUL]

Cabinet sacks entire board of the GPO

Bangkok Post, 21 May 2008

A key advocate of compulsory licensing, Dr Vichai
Chokewiwat, has been removed from the position of
chairman of the board of the Government Pharmaceutical
Organisation (GPO). The cabinet yesterday endorsed the
sacking of the entire board, on the recommendation of
Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab.


Thirachai Wuthitham, former manager of the national
football team, was appointed the new chairman. He was
a candidate on the Puea Pandin party list for the
general election, but failed to get a seat.


Other new members of the GPO board endorsed by the
cabinet include Manwipa Intaratat, wife of army
specialist Gen Trairong Intaratat, a classmate of
former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Armed
Forces Academies Preparatory School.


Dr Vichai earlier came under pressure to resign from
the minister, who initially planned to reverse the
policy of compulsory licensing for some Aids and heart
medications.


Mr Chaiya earlier claimed it is customary for the GPO
board to be replaced when a new health minister is
appointed.


Dhanin Chearavanont, chairman of the CP Group, was
appointed by the cabinet as a specialist on the
National Food Committee.




Kannikar KIJTIWATCHAKUL (Kar)
Access to Essential Medicine Campaigner
MSF Belgium - Thailand Mission,
522 Mooban Nakorn Thai 14,
Ladphrao Soi 101/1,
Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240
Tel (+66) 2370 3087
Fax (+66) 2731 1432
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