New line-up worries consumer advocates.

(From Bangkok Post)

Byline: Aphaluck Bhatiasevi

Consumer advocates yesterday urged new members of the Medical Council to put public interest before their own.

Doctors who oppose the National Health Bill pulled the largest share of votes in Thursday's council election. They are worried about a clause in the bill which allows patients to hold them to account for medical malpractice.

Saree Aongsomwang, manager of the Foundation for Consumers, said the council's credibility could suffer if it put doctors' interests first.

"The council's popularity would decline and it would eventually turn into a rubber stamp if the new administrators …