Police investigate possible corruption at Stradins Hospital

RIGA - Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged corruption at Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LETA learned.

The prosecutor's office confirmed to LETA that the State Police is conducting a criminal investigation into soliciting and accepting a bribe. The criminal proceedings are supervised by the Prosecution Office for Investigation of Criminal Offenses in Public Service.

The State Police declined to comment on the case to LETA.

Vineta Klavina, a representative of Stradins Hospital, confirmed to LETA that Egils Valeinis had been suspended from his duties as head of the hospital's Neurosurgery Clinic as part of the criminal proceedings.

At the same time, Valeinis has not been banned from practicing medicine. The hospital is obliged to provide an employment solution that complies with the law, and therefore, by coordinating with law enforcement, a solution has been provided that complies with both the restrictions imposed and the person's right to work.

The hospital cooperates with law enforcement authorities in accordance with its competence, Klavina said.

Janis Stukens has been appointed acting head of the Neurosurgery Clinic.

The administration of Stradins Hospital states that it has "zero tolerance to corruption and any abuse of power for personal gain". The hospital has consistently supports "high standards of professional ethics, integrity, and the rule of law, as well as zero tolerance for misconduct in any form".

Klavina noted that in recent years the hospital has significantly strengthened its anti-corruption and internal control systems. For example, in 2024 it joined the Zero Tolerance to Corruption initiative implemented by Delna, the Latvian chapter of Transparency International, thus demonstrating the hospital's commitment to strengthening transparency, good governance, and reducing corruption risks at all levels.