Health minister calls for solutions to hospitals' growing costs

RIGA - Solutions have to be sought to the unplanned burden of hospital's  increased energy, construction, catering, administrative and other costs, Health Minister Liga Mengelsone (United List) said during a visit to Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS) on Thursday. 

"Together with the government's partners we will have to seek solutions how to absorb [these costs] to ensure access to uninterrupted and high-quality healthcare services," Mengelsone said. 

On her first working visit, the health minister met with the RAKUS board and heads of departments, as well as discussed the hospital's draft strategy for 2023-2028.

"University hospitals are the backbone and excellence centers of healthcare which have to promote the accessibility, development and quality of services in all Latvia. RAKUS is one of the most important segments of our health sector," the minister said. 

"Despite the past years spent in the shadow of the pandemic, RAKUS has managed to advance scientific research and further education. Still, there are many challenges ahead," Mengelsone said. 

During the visit, the minister also learned about the hospital's plans to develop a comprehensive cancer center, as well as inspected the surgical blocks of the Gailezers clinic and the Latvian Oncology Center.