Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has ordered the Public Health Ministry to suspend the purchase of medical equipment and other supplies worth 86.6 billion baht after being informed of possible graft, pending further investigation.
On Wednesday Rural Thai Doctors president Krangsak Vatcharanukulkiat called the prime minister and accused five MPs of the Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties and three public health officials of corruption in connection with the purchase scheme.
The Public Health Ministry has been allocated 86.6 billlion baht for the acquisition of equipment, large-scale construction work and human resources development.
"Whatever is not necessary should not be bought. Whoever has evidence of corruption can send it to a committee investigating this matter," Mr Abhisit said.
Mr Abhisit said he had asked Dr Kriangsak to supply him with information on possible graft in connection with construction and procurement projects.
Responding to Dr Kriangsak's comment that he was not sure the prime minister would be able to act against the accused politicians because it would be difficult to find evidence of their alleged corruption, Mr Abhisit said he had asked the doctor to tell him whether he wanted any of the investigation committee members replaced and he would be glad to do as advised.
Dr Kriangsak had also been told to send additional information on the accused Democrat MPs for the party to consider, Mr Abhisit said.
The prime minister said the government is duty-bound to prevent corruption and to take action against whoever has done wrong in a straightforward manner, adding that he hoped this would help deter corrupt practice.
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