Embattled permanent secretary for public health Narong Sahametapat will face a disciplinary probe for his support of the anti-government movement, caretaker Public Health Minister Pradit Sintawanarong said on Friday.
Narong: Refused to sign ambulance order
Dr Pradit said he would set up a committee to probe Dr Narong's actions following reports that he took part in the drafting of the Public Health Community (PHC) statement supporting the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) demand for "reform before elections".
The PHC statement - issued after the PHC meeting on Thursday - also called on the caretaker government to step down immediately.
The meeting was reportedly chaired by Dr Narong.
Dr Narong also asked the PHC to communicate the group's stance to their members, but he stopped short of saying whether the PHC should join the PDRC Bangkok shutdown operation on Monday.
The PHC consists of eight health professional groups, such as the Provincial Public Health Directors Club, Regional Hospital and General Hospital Federation, Dentists Club, and Community Hospital Directors Club.
The statement was posted on the official Facebook page of the Public Health permanent secretary's information bureau on Thursday evening, but was removed hours later.
Dr Pradit said government officials must follow regulations and that to work against the government is a breach of regulations.
He said caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra assigned the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order to look into the matter because it involved the current political crisis.
Dr Narong said only that he felt relieved after expressing his political stance and that he would not resign from his post.
Commenting on the PHC's move, Ms Yingluck said a civil servant is duty bound to serve the public. She said although some senior officials refused to do their duty, most officials are ready to work for the people during the political rally.
PHC members said Dr Narong had been under pressure since the political conflict erupted late last year.
For example, he was instructed to sign a statement supporting the government and the Feb 2 election, the source said.
Dr Narong also refused to sign an order forbidding state hospitals from sending ambulances to help anti-government protesters during the confrontations last month.
Ministry executives reportedly asked Dr Narong to issue the order after some state hospitals sent volunteers and ambulances to take care of anti-government demonstrators.
At Thursday's meeting, Dr Narong said he would stand by the people.