Several hundred people gathered for a protest outside the Saeima in the morning on Thursday, the 11th of May.
Participants prepared posters that stated “sick people can’t help the economy”, “coffin or luggage”, “health is a human right”.
Candles were placed at the entrance to the Saeima.
Latvian Junior Doctors Association’s President Artūrs Šilovs said during the protest that “79 people will have died by evening today. For 13 of them death could have been prevented if we had quality healthcare”. Participants then held a minute of silence.
Police were present, monitoring the protest.
Multiple Latvian patient organisations and medical worker-representing associations have sent an open letter to the country’s top officials, requesting them to complete their previously given promises in regards to funding for healthcare, as confirmed by Latvian Junior Doctors Association.
Latvian Medical Association’s President Ilze Aizsilniece stressed that if the government ignores them and no tangible increase to the healthcare budget is provided, bigger strikes will be organised in autumn.
Also read: Latvian government lifts requirement to wear protective masks in healthcare and social care institutions