The problems that exist in healthcare go much deeper and are more complex than it may seem, but the opposition to solutions is very high from various sides, said Latvian Minister of Health Līga Meņģelsone in an interview to various media.
The first 100 days of PM Krišjānis Kariņš’s second government are coming up. The minister said in this difficult time rapid steps were taken across all stages that compose healthcare, fully understanding how important integrated healthcare is. Meņģelsone admitted in her interview that solutions are often very fragmented, which often makes it difficult for patients to go through all the hoops.
«Our main objective is patient-focused healthcare.
It is important to set real criteria for PREM, PROM [Patient-reported outcome measures] and clinical results that show that we have done everything for patients, not the system. We also have to improve family care and primary healthcare, and this has a decisive role in the years to come. Data accessibility is highly important to ensure specialists are able to make decisions more quickly based on available data,» stressed Meņģelsone.
The minister said problems in healthcare are deeper and more complex than it may seem. On top of that, any problem mentioned today did not appear today, but opposition from involved sides has so far been very high.
As an example she mentioned the government meeting of Tuesday, the 21st of March, during which officials viewed amendments proposed by the Ministry of Health to limit accessibility of alcoholic beverages.
For example, the head of Latvian Advertising Association Baiba Liepiņa mentioned during discussions that existing regulations cannot resolve the problem, alcohol price discounts and promotion still remain in stores. According to her, stores, including online stores, are becoming exclusive alcohol price and promotions sites.
Minister of Economics Ilze Indriksone mentioned during the meeting that although she supports the ministry’s objective, «the solution that was submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers is pathetic and will not accomplish its goal.
There is no assessment, no plan and no post-inspection evaluation».
«Solutions are not rational or effective, but they make it a duty for producers to manufacture new labels and ensure financial investments,» said Indriksone. At the same time, she said she does not doubt the healthcare industry is working on various solutions. However, she does not see which target audience will get these amendments. At the same time, they will affect manufacturers.
Meņģelsone said it is important to think of ways to balance the interests of various sides.
«It is important to find and understand the benefits for our society. This is my main value, and I am working in the name of the common good,» said the minister.
Previously Latvia’s government approved amendments from the Ministry of Health that apply to labels of alcoholic beverages, price and promotions, and general availability.
The ministry wants to reduce alcohol consumption among Latvian residents, as well as reduce the proportion of alcohol-related diseases and mortality from consequences caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
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