Universal healthcare to remain, says PM
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted on Monday that his government will not stop the free universal healthcare programme.
He gave the pledge during a meeting of the strategic country administration committee, nicknamed by the press as the mini-Cabinet, at Government House at 9.30am.
Prayut said it was impossible for the government to stop the free healthcare programme.
He said the government wanted to integrate the free main healthcare funds of the Public Health Ministry, government officials and the Social Security Fund so healthcare services will be more efficient in terms of budget use.
The prime minister has often complained that the government was running out of money to provide free healthcare to the poor, leading to speculation free healthcare services will be stopped.
This resulted in the government facing criticism for approving mega military procurements, including the submarine deal, instead of saving money to provide healthcare services.
