The Latvian Union of Health and Social Care Workers (LVSADA) objects to New Unity (JV) taking over the sector, because it could indicate intentions by prime minister candidate Evika Siliņa “to continue starving the national healthcare sector”.
LVSADA representative Inga Rudzīte told LETA that suspicions come from the new government’s declaration project, in which it is stated the healthcare sector is to receive 12% of the state budget to cover basic operational costs.
She reminded that the trade union had previously reported non-compliance with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations for the minimal state funding level for healthcare.
According to WHO, the state funding for healthcare needs to reach at least 12% of general government expenditures.
The general government budget for this year is composed of the consolidated budget and the special budget amount or EUR 18.757 million. Even after the allocation of EUR 140 million, the budget of Latvia’s healthcare sector will reach only 9.6% of the general government expenditures, the trade union estimates.
The missing 2.4% of the general government expenditures or approximately EUR 450 million, according to the trade union, is the “main cause” of the long queues for medical services, the poor public health index, higher private patient fees and the growing inequality in society.
LETA previously reported that of the 16 seats in the government, a total of eight will go to New Unity (JV), five – the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), and three – to the Progressive Party (PRO).
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