Raids close down four bogus clinics

Authorities yesterday raided four clinics in Khlong Luang district that were allegedly running illegally and selling medical certificates.

A combined team of local leaders and provincial health officials raided the NCC Clinic, Nawapak Medical Technic Clinic, LW Medical Technic Clinic and PA Medical Technic Clinic.

The clinics are located near the Nava Nakhon industrial estate in tambon Klong Nueng.

Authorities seized urine and blood test devices, invoices to be issued to customers and financial records from the clinics.

While the clinics’ operating licences were found pinned on the walls, they are alleged to have been running without permission.

Authorities also came across physician licences, but no doctors were present at the clinics.

The clinics were allegedly run by caretakers, who were taken for questioning at Khlong Luang police station.

Sermwit Sombat, the Klong Luang district chief, said he had received complaints from the provincial Damrongtham centre alleging the clinics had sold medical certificates to people applying for jobs in the industrial estate without carrying out the actual check-ups.

Job applicants need to submit medical certificates to prospective employers before they are hired.

The certificates were allegedly being sold for 350-450 baht, according to Mr Sermwit, who said customers were issued the certificates by the clinic staff, not a doctor, which is illegal.

He said other clinics are thought to be offering medical certificates for sale in the area.

Caretakers and staff of the four clinics were held for questioning by the police. They were charged with illegally issuing medical certificates, violating the Clinical Establishments Act and operating the clinics without permission, an offence which carries a jail term of up to five years and/or a maximum fine of 100,000 baht.

Authorities added the caretakers and staff sometimes performed the check-ups themselves, which they are not licensed to do.

This act is punishable by a maximum four-year jail term and/or a fine of up to 30,000 baht.