BANGKOK, March 3 (TNA) – Representatives from Thailand’s Veterans General Hospital submitted evidence today against a sophisticated drug procurement fraud scheme that investigators say involved hospital staff from nurses to doctors operating as an organized network.
At the Anti-Corruption Division headquarters, General Detnitit Luangngamkham, Director-General of the War Veterans Organization of Thailand, along with the Veterans Hospital Director, presented evidence against medical personnel and others involved in the prescription drug fraud. Officials from Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) were present at the hearing.
Preliminary investigation results reveal that senior physicians allegedly diverted prescribed medications to be resold through a coordinated network. The operation involved intermediaries who recruited government officials with direct medical reimbursement privileges to seek treatment and obtain prescriptions in exchange for compensation.
“Patients were instructed to consume foods that would affect their physical examination results or to pretend illness to deceive doctors and obtain desired medications,” an investigator revealed.
The diverted medications were reportedly stored in condominium rooms and at laundry shops before distribution.
The investigation uncovered that individuals were transported from Lopburi and other provinces to collect medications from the hospital over a period of several years.
Phumwisal Kasemsuk from the PACC acknowledged that initial findings implicate hundreds of participants in the scheme, including at least 20 high-ranking government officials.
“We need time to verify all the facts, but we are committed to prosecuting everyone involved in this network,” he stated. -819 (TNA)
