Reforma rada bažas par pakalpojumu pieejamību reģionos
Veselības ministrijas plānotā slimnīcu tīkla reforma, kas paredz pāreju uz trīs līmeņu modeli (lokālās, reģionālās un daudzprofilu slimnīcas) līdz 2029. gadam, izsauc nopietnas bažas par veselības aprūpes pakalpojumu pieejamību Latvijas reģionos. Kā ziņo avīze Diena, lai gan ministrija uzsver, ka neviena slimnīca netiks slēgta, nozarē strādājošie un pašvaldību pārstāvji pauž šaubas, vai esošais finansējums un plānotās izmaiņas ļaus saglabāt pakalpojumu pieejamību, īpaši pierobežas un mazajās slimnīcās.
Reformas mērķis ir efektīvāka finansējuma sadale un pakalpojumu kvalitātes uzlabošana, taču slimnīcu vadītāji un arodbiedrības norāda uz sasteigtu lēmumu pieņemšanu un nepietiekamu sociālo dialogu. Viņi uzsver, ka finansējuma samazinājums, īpaši mazajām lokālajām slimnīcām, var kritiski ietekmēt speciālās aprūpes, piemēram, dzemdniecības un traumatoloģijas, pakalpojumu pieejamību.
Pārmaiņas un to pamatojums
Veselības ministrija (VM) plāno aizstāt pašreizējo piecu līmeņu slimnīcu sistēmu ar trīs līmeņu modeli, definējot katra līmeņa funkcijas un prasības. Šīs izmaiņas tiek pamatotas ar cilvēkresursu trūkumu, valsts finansējuma ierobežotajām iespējām un demogrāfiskajām tendencēm. Viens no pirmajiem soļiem ir neatliekamās medicīniskās palīdzības un pacientu uzņemšanas nodaļu (NMPUN) tīkla pārskatīšana, lai samazinātu brigāžu transportēšanas laiku un izvairītos no augstāka līmeņa slimnīcu noslogošanas ar pacientiem, kuri varētu saņemt palīdzību zemāka līmeņa iestādēs.
Tomēr pilotprojektu rezultāti liecina, ka arī pašlaik lielākā daļa NMPD pacientu tiek vesti uz augstāka līmeņa slimnīcām.
Latvian Healthcare Reform Faces Criticism and Concerns (January 25, 2026)
Table of Contents
The Latvian healthcare system is undergoing reforms initiated by the Ministry of Health (VM), sparking significant criticism from healthcare workers, hospital administrators, and raising concerns about legal certainty and the potential for repeating past failures. This report summarizes the key issues as of January 25, 2026, based on available details.
The Latvian Health and Social Care Workers’ Union (LVSADA) has voiced strong objections to the speed and lack of extensive social dialog surrounding the reforms. LVSADA argues that while formal feedback was solicited,the final report lacks in-depth analysis and measurable solutions. They contend the process was rushed and did not adequately address concerns raised by stakeholders.
Concerns Regarding Legal Certainty and Funding
A major point of contention revolves around the 2026 funding plan.Hospital administrators express concern that the plan is based on Cabinet of Ministers regulations adopted without prior consultation with hospitals or a thorough financial impact assessment. this raises serious questions about tiesisko paļāvību (legal reliance) and potentially violates previously agreed-upon funding principles. Administrators are calling for an immediate halt to the changes and a comprehensive socio-economic evaluation conducted in collaboration with hospitals. As of January 25, 2026, there is no public record of such a halt or evaluation being initiated.
State Audit Office findings and Past Reform Failures
Previous attempts at healthcare reform, specifically the optimization of the hospital network, have been deemed unsuccessful by the State Audit Office. Reports indicate that, contrary to expectations, the number of hospitals actually increased, and several facilities failed to meet established standards while continuing to receive funding. This history of unsuccessful reforms fuels skepticism about the current initiative.
Ministry of Health’s Stated Goals
The Ministry of Health maintains that the new model aims to reduce fragmentation of services and personnel, improve accessibility, and simplify the system for patients. However, critics fear that the reforms will not address essential issues and may create new challenges, particularly for residents in rural regions.
Status as of January 25, 2026: There are no confirmed reports of the Ministry of Health altering its course or addressing the concerns raised by LVSADA and hospital administrators. The implementation of the 2026 funding plan remains on track according to publicly available information from the Ministry of Health website,though details regarding the financial impact assessment remain unavailable.
Sources:
* Latvian health and Social Care Workers’ Union (LVSADA) - Used for direct quotes and understanding LVSADA’s position.
* Latvian Legal Acts Portal – Used to verify the existence of Cabinet of Ministers regulations.
* state Audit Office of Latvia - Used to verify findings regarding previous reform attempts.
* Ministry of Health of the Republic of Latvia – used to understand the Ministry’s stated goals and current implementation status.
