“We have started an investigation,” HSSD chief Dr Visit Tangnapakorn said Monday.

He was responding to a private hospital’s advertisement which offered free fuel coupons to rescue teams that brought in accident victims and patients needing immediate medical help.

The advertisement appeared on social media.

Visit said he expected the results of the investigation within three days, and added that incentives might adversely affect the delivery of emergency medicine to patients in need.

“What if it is a long way to go to that hospital? We need to ensure people needing emergency medicine get it fastest,” he said.

HSSD deputy directorgeneral Dr Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn said the executive of the private hospital involved had said he was not aware of the possible impacts from the promotion and promised to scrap it immediately.

“To prevent such things recurring, we will issue a circular to all private medical facilities that such a promotion is unacceptable,” he said.

Thongchai also urged consumers to play a role in preventing such incentives.

“If you see such a practice, you can alert us via our 24hour Hotline at 02 193 7999,” he said.

According to the Medical Facilities Act, it is an offence for medical facilities to offer promotions or advertise their medical services. Offenders are liable to up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of Bt20,000. This is on top of the Bt10,000 daily fine that will be imposed until the advertisement is withdrawn.

Advertisements may be made if medical facilities seek prior approval from the HSSD or provincial public health offices.