The Public Health Ministry yesterday denied claims the cabinet has approved a 2.4 billion baht budget cut in the "gold card" scheme.
Clarifying media reports, permanent secretary Sukhum Karnchanapimai said the government had in fact given three billion baht to the National Health Security Office (NHSO), which oversees the Universal Healthcare Coverage, known as the gold card scheme.
The money had been allocated from the central budget for emergency purposes, following the cabinet's concern the NHSO may not have enough money to run its health welfare programme during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.
Around 48 million people are listed as gold card holders.
Dr Sukhum's clarification came as state agencies have been instructed to slash their budgets to help finance the government efforts to contain the speed of coronavirus, which have dealt a heavy blow to both the public health system and the economy.
Pheu Thai MP for Udon Thani Kriangsak Faisingam last week claimed a "cabinet resolution" had been passed to cut the NHSO's budget by 2.4 billion baht.
"I've never seen Gen Prayut come out to clarify the gold card issue himself," Mr Kriangsak said.
However, government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had assured both medical staff and the public they will not be affected by the budget cuts underway to other parts of the government's spending.
The allegations of a budget cut to the gold card scheme were the result of a misunderstanding, Ms Narumon said.
The premier had asked Dr Sukhum to discuss the issue with the Budget Bureau chief to clarify any public doubts.
Mr Kriangsak also claimed the government agreed to cut the budget for the Public Health Ministry by 1.2 billion baht.
That will only weaken public health services at a time medical personnel on the frontline need full support to battle against the virus, Mr Kriangsak said.