Medicine prices in Latvia may rise more than planned

Taking into account rising fuel prices and overall inflation, Riga East Clinical University Hospital may face an increase in medication costs, its Chairman of the Board Vadims Beļuns said in an interview with the TV3 programme 900 sekundes.

Beļuns explained that when planning the budget, one of the largest expenditure categories — medicines and medical devices — currently includes a projected price increase of up to 8%. At the same time, there are indications that the actual cost increase could be even higher, which could potentially affect the budget. Both the National Health Service and the Ministry of Health have been informed about these risks.

He stressed that the main principle is to ensure that the quality of treatment is not reduced and that transitional processes do not negatively affect medical care and patient services.

Speaking about the funding allocated to the Latvian Oncology Centre, which currently exceeds 63 million euros, Beļuns noted that an additional need of approximately 12 million euros has been identified for ensuring premises, equipment, and other resources.

He also informed that the project is progressing according to the planned schedule

and that there have been no delays. At the start of the project, a clear objective was set — the process must not in any way affect the quality of treatment and care, and patients must not suffer during this period.

The LETA news agency has previously reported that Beļuns, who had already been a board member since November 2024, has been selected as the new Chairman of the Board of RAKUS.

Beļuns was appointed Chairman of the Board of the hospital as a result of an open competition in which 14 candidates participated.

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