This year, attempts to convince politicians that children’s health is part of national security will continue, said the Chairman of the Board of the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) Valts Ābols in an interview to LTV programme “Rīta panorāma”.
Last year passed in the hospital in a joyful anniversary cycle, completing ambitious development plans that allow to provide high quality services.
Ābols explained that BKUS will commence 2025 with smaller funding than last year. This is because of new state budget priorities.
“Our objective is continuing to explain that children’s health is part of national security,” said Ābols, adding that the future of the country’s growth depends on children’s health. This is why the hospital will try convincing politicians that children’s health is an important investment.
Charity support is very important to the hospital, but we cannot put everyday problems on the shoulders of our supporters, said Ābols.
“All over the world, it is possible to ensure development through donors, so that Latvian children have the same treatment and diagnostic opportunities as in other countries. The responsibility of procuring medicines we need for diagnostic and rehabilitation purposes is not something we can afford to make the responsibility of foundations,” said the head of the hospital. To ensure processes, the hospital not only divides funding within its budget but also tries attracting funds from other sources.
There are still myths about children’s health in the public space. BKUS will try to break these myths, including by providing reliable content on its own website.