Graft inquiry shows we're serious- PM

       Inquiries into alleged irregularities under the economic stimulus package at the Public Health Ministry would show how determined the government is in fighting corruption, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says.
       "Authorities were told from the beginning that they need to be extra careful when a scheme of this scale and enormous budget is involved as it will be prone to corruption," Mr Abhisit said during his weekly television and radio address yesterday.
       The prime minister has instructed Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai to speed up the investigations into the graft allegations.
       "I want to prove to the people that my government is determined to make state projects corruption-free," he said.
       Mr Abhisit's assurances come just days after his meeting with the president of the Rural Doctors Society, Kriangsak Vacharanukulkiat, who raised the alleged irregularities under the 86 billion baht medical supplies and equipment procurement programme.
       Dr Kriangsak also revealed the names of politicians he claimed were involved in the irregularities, Mr Abhisit said.
       The prime minister has agreed to consider calls to change the make up of the inquiry panels to ensure the investigations remain free of political meddling.
       The investigations focus on two areas,Mr Abhisit said: the unusually high cost of constructing buildings, and the list of medical supplies which does not match the needs of hospitals.
       The unwanted medical items had been included on the list upon a request from members of the public health minister's advisory team, the doctor claimed.
       Mr Witthaya said he would push ahead with the scheme.
       Speaking at a meeting in Songkhla yesterday, the embattled minister called on health officials not to let down the public.
       "The scheme must go ahead and it's the duty of public health officials to prove that it is corruption-free and is beneficial to the people," he said.