In Latvia, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has drafted and submitted for public consultation amendments to Cabinet regulations on mandatory requirements for healthcare institutions, aimed at gradually improving maternity care services.
The amendments provide for updating and clarifying requirements for maternity wards, perinatal care centres, and neonatal intensive care units, taking into account advances in modern medicine, international recommendations, and changes in birth rates across the country.
According to the Ministry, the current regulatory framework was developed more than ten years ago. Since then, both patient safety standards and treatment options have evolved significantly, making it necessary to adapt the regulations to current conditions.
The aim of the amendments is to ensure that every woman and newborn in Latvia—regardless of place of residence—receives safe, high-quality care in line with modern standards, particularly in cases where pregnancy or childbirth involves increased risk.
The Ministry also notes that the changes will promote the sustainable development of the maternity care system by concentrating the most complex care in healthcare institutions capable of ensuring the highest levels of safety and expertise.
The new requirements are planned to be introduced gradually by 2032.
During this period, stricter requirements will be implemented regarding the availability of specialists—including obstetrician-gynaecologists, anaesthesiologists, neonatologists, and midwives—on a 24-hour basis, along with clearer definitions of staff competencies in maternity and neonatal care.
The amendments also aim to reinforce the principle that high-risk pregnancies, complicated deliveries, and the care of critically ill newborns should be provided only in facilities equipped with the appropriate personnel, technical capacity, and experience—primarily perinatal care centres and multidisciplinary hospitals. This is expected to reduce complications and improve outcomes for both mothers and infants.
In addition, requirements for medical equipment, monitoring systems, and facility functionality—especially in neonatal intensive care—will be updated.
The Ministry emphasizes that the transition period will allow healthcare institutions to plan necessary investments, secure funding, and make sustainable decisions regarding service development or restructuring.
The draft amendments are open for public consultation until May 28, with healthcare professionals and the public invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
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