There is a warning regarding “hanging doctors” who operate medical facilities without personally attending to patients, exposing the risk of “quack doctors” impersonating them. Recent searches led to the arrest of a Korean doctor, with a hidden group reportedly offering 20,000 – 35,000 baht in monthly compensation for such roles. The Medical Council emphasizes the high chance of errors and severe penalties.
Investigative news teams found numerous clinics in rural areas hiring doctors to display their names, while allowing other unauthorized individuals to perform medical duties on patients, potentially impacting patient care negatively. Compensation offers for these hanging doctors range between 20,000 – 35,000 baht monthly.
These clinics often entice doctors by guaranteeing that medications are FDA approved and providing additional remuneration for vacancy coverage during weekends or not deducting extra taxes.
General Phon Anuthaporn, Secretary-General of the Medical Council, noted a surge in advertisements for hiring “hanging doctors” allowing others to work in their stead, which severely risks patient safety.
A “hanging doctor” is essentially responsible for the operation of their clinic but may not have the capacity to oversee it personally, increasing the chance of unauthorized individuals performing medical tasks.
While only a few doctors directly engage in this practice, many are persuaded to lend their names for compensation. Though technically not illegal, once they lend their names, doctors must stay informed about the practices at those establishments to remain compliant with healthcare regulations.
Recently, patients have reported grievances to the Department of Health Service Support regarding “hanging doctors” not providing direct care, leading to malpractice by unlicensed individuals.
Rights of Patients Affected by Hanging Doctors
General Phon Anuthaporn outlined the responsibilities of medical facility operators in instances of malpractice, including:
– Accountability for all patients treated at the clinic.
– Legal compliance regarding all medications administered.
– Ensuring only licensed personnel perform procedures.
– Obligation to maintain detailed patient records.
– Responsibility for all legal actions that may arise, including civil and criminal penalties.
– Accountability for any misleading advertising.
– Compliance with regulations regarding controlled substances.
Physicians should only lend their names to clinics where they are actively involved; simply being a name on the board can lead to serious legal complications and encourages unauthorized practitioners to act unlawfully.
Korean Doctor Impersonating in Thailand
Recently, a Korean doctor was arrested in a beauty clinic in Bangkok for operating without proper qualification, further reinforcing concerns of unauthorized practice under Thai law, which carries penalties including potential imprisonment and fines.
Dr. Panuwat Panket, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, stated that the influx of foreign doctors claiming qualifications aims to attract clients.
Dr. Akom Praditsuwan, Deputy Director-General, emphasized that services involving beauty treatments must engage foreign medical professionals legally, requiring proper licenses and registration with health authorities before performing any medical duties in Thailand.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
