Latvian Ombudsman asks Saeima speaker Edvards Smiltēns to take active action in order to avoid delays and the legislative draft Amendments to the Law on Social Services and Social Assistance is passed by September.
Due to the Saeima’s indecisiveness on this matter people risk being left without necessary aid, because the full implementation of the Support in Personal Decision Making (APLP) service and palliative care service is at risk, the Ombudsman’s Office stresses.
This is not the first time when the ombudsman invites decision-makers to act quickly.
A year ago the ombudsman noted that the state has “frozen” the quality of life for people suffering from mental problems.
At the end of May 2023 the ombudsman noted why it is important to now slow the passing of aforementioned amendments.
The ombudsman stresses that this legislative draft “is stuck in Saeima’s hallways” and is even taken off the responsible committee’s agenda. It is important, said the ombudsman, because it provides new regulations in regards to the adoption of APLP service.
Additionally, without appropriate APLP-related regulations, it will mean wasting state finances, which means support staff trained using said funding will have to be laid off.
Previously there was an instance when trained and experienced specialists had to be laid off.
“Such behaviour from the Saeima is absolutely unacceptable – putting off the review of a matter the adoption of which has been delayed by the state for a very long time. This only serves to show disrespect both towards a specific group of residents that are in dire need of this service and the country’s own international commitments. Moreover, the necessary funding is already found. All that’s left is passing regulations,” said the ombudsman’s assistant, head of the Civil and Political Right Office Ineta Piļāne.
Examples in practice show that APLP service comprehensively affects people suffering from mental problems, improving their quality of life.
For example, people have started the process of acquiring education, have found work, have developed skills. Their capacity has been reviewed or completely restored. Communication with workers of various institutions has become more successful as well.
Additionally, in order to ensure the availability of palliative care service at least starting from the 1st of January 2024, it is necessary to pass regulations to improve the palliative care service as soon as possible.
It provides for the establishment of a comprehensive and person-centered model of residential care for patients in palliative care.
If now state funding is provided in 2024 and implementation remains on the shoulders of municipalities and their budgets, there is a high risk of municipalities not being able to provide all services due to the difference in financial and human resources. This will directly affect the ability of palliative care patients and their family members to receive support tailored to their needs.
The ombudsman points out that there is a misconception in society that “palliative care is limited to the elderly”.
In reality palliative care is sometimes needed by newborns, mature adults and elderly people alike.
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