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Finance Ministry's representative Jolanta Plume said that the emergency funds were limited, and part of these funds would be required for implementing measures against African swine fever. She also said that, in effect, the funds had already been distributed. She said that only up to EUR 2 million could be allotted from the government's emergency funds to the Health Ministry.

This, however, was unacceptable to Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (Unity), who currently also stands in for the health minister. "I cannot agree with the Finance Ministry. We had decided with the Finance Ministry and all the health care organizations that 9.9 million was the amount that the sector was in dire need of," said Straujuma, adding that at least EUR 5.5 million more would have to be found for the health sector.

Of the EUR 8.9 million requested by the Health Ministry, EUR 6.5 million was meant to be paid to hospitals so they could cover their deficits.

Another EUR 1.8 million was supposed to go to outpatient clinics, and EUR 473,080 to laboratories.

Also, about EUR 50,000 is necessary for the National Blood Service of Latvia and the Emergency Medical Service each.