Former health minister Mongkol dies at 79

Former health minister Mongkol dies at 79

Veteran physician and public servant was strong advocate of universal healthcare

Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla served as Public health Minister in  the administration of Gen Surayud Chulanont from October 2006 to February 2008.
Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla served as Public health Minister in the administration of Gen Surayud Chulanont from October 2006 to February 2008.

Former public health minister Mongkol Na Songkhla died on Friday at the age of 79.

Dr Mongkol, who served as public health minister in the government of Gen Surayud Chulanont from October 2006 to February 2008, was being treated for cancer.

Before his death, Dr Mongkol announced on Facebook that he had been diagnosed with stage-3 renal carcinoma and planned to obtain treatment. He was pronounced dead at 10pm on Friday.

According to people close to him, one of his last wishes was to donate his body to the Siriraj Hospital Faculty of Medicine, and to have a simple funeral rite.

A one-night religious rite was being held on Saturday at Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkhram in Bangkok’s Rama III area, his son told Thai media.

Those who were unable to attend can make merit by making donations to a hospital of their choice. Funeral guests were asked not to bring wreaths.

Born on Jan 16, 1941, Dr Mongkol graduated from the Siriraj Hospital Faculty of Medicine. He obtained a master’s degree in public health and a doctorate in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

He joined the public sector as a doctor and held several key positions, including secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration and director-general of the Medical Services Department before he retired in 2001 as the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Public Health.

He received the Rural Doctors’ award in 1976 in recognition of his work to improve medical services for people living in remote areas.

When serving in the Surayud administration, Dr Mongkol was known for his push to expand the 30-baht healthcare service initiated by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra to free universal healthcare.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (2)