Latvia hospital network reform dispute

The Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) parliamentary faction has called for the cancellation of the Latvian government’s hospital network reform. The party argues the reform process was flawed, lacked stakeholder consultation, and suffered from inadequate funding. ZZS representatives warned that the plan could jeopardize patient safety and regional healthcare accessibility, and the party indicated it might withhold support for the upcoming state budget unless the reform is revised.

In response, the Latvian Ministry of Health clarified that the reform is not intended to concentrate all regional patients in Riga. The Ministry stated that higher-level medical services will remain available at several regional hospitals, including those in Daugavpils, Rēzekne, Liepāja, North Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Jelgava, and Jēkabpils.

Under the proposed system, the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) will prioritize transporting patients to facilities with the specific specialists and treatment capabilities required for their condition, rather than simply the nearest hospital. The Ministry also noted that local hospitals will continue to provide 24/7 emergency care and patient admission services.