Riga East University Hospital is not ready for coming heating season financially - Paeglitis

RIGA - Riga East University Hospital (RAKUS) is not ready for the coming heating season financially, said the hospital's board chairman Imants Paeglitis in an interview with the Latvian public television.

The hospital is ready for the heating season technically, but not financially, Paeglitis said.

"It is quite clear what the impact of the current energy resource tariffs will be - it will mean additional EUR 4 million this year and EUR 6 million next year. Compared to 2021, this will mean additional EUR 10 million. One day in December so far cost us EUR 13,000, but with the new tariffs one-day expenses will reach EUR 60,000," said Paeglitis.

He said that the hospital with different economy measures cannot cover the huge tariff hike, therefore it expects support from the state. There are also negotiations held with the National Health Service, but no solution has been found yet.

The hospital may cover the increase of costs by the end of the year by reducing temperature in the hospital and suspending a number of projects. All matters related with medical treatment process will not be harmed for as long as possible.