Health Ministry seeks additional EUR 826 million in next year's budget

RIGA - The Ministry of Health is seeking additional EUR 826 million in next year’s budget, as reported on Wednesday at a joint meeting of the Saeima’s sustainable development committee, the Latgale subcommittee of human rights and public affairs committee, and the public health subcommittee of the social and labor affairs committee, by deputy state secretary Boriss Knigins.

According to data compiled by the Ministry of Health, the ministry’s identified needs and established priorities for 2027 total EUR 826,053,948. Of this amount, 49.2 percent or EUR 406.7 million are reportedly needed to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare services. This amount includes funds for increasing the salaries and pay components of healthcare professionals.

Additional EUR 135.39 million is planned to be allocated to improve the system for government-funded medications and medical supplies. Knigins acknowledged that, according to forecasts, the deficit for government-funded medications could reach EUR 35 million this year. This is reportedly due to budget planning that does not account for potential new patients who will require government-funded medications.

As reported, the Latvian Trade Union of Health and Social Care Employees (LVSADA) has demanded that the 2027 state budget provide for a pay raise of at least 30 percent for all healthcare workers, with the necessary funding included in the tariffs for state-funded healthcare services. A request has also been made to revise the Cabinet of Ministers’ regulations on the minimum monthly wage and special allowances for healthcare workers, as well as to introduce a mechanism for regular wage reviews.

Under the Cabinet of Ministers’ regulations on the minimum monthly wage and special allowances for healthcare workers, the minimum monthly wage set for nursing aides and medical assistants is EUR 863, which is EUR 43 higher than the minimum wage planned for 2027, while the minimum monthly wage set for nurses is EUR 1,189. LVSADA notes that without a commensurate increase in healthcare workers’ salaries, the labor shortage in the sector will worsen.

The Cabinet of Ministers’ draft response to the 2027 state budget acknowledges the need for additional funding for the healthcare sector in the amount of EUR 663 million, but only EUR 45.2 million are allocated for human resources. The draft does not specify the actual amount of funding to be allocated, notes LVSADA.

If the government does not adopt specific and financially secured decisions regarding healthcare funding and pay raises for all employees in the sector, the LVSADA Executive Board has been instructed to convene an emergency council meeting to decide on further measures to defend collective interests as provided for in regulatory acts.