We cannot continue to maintain a fragmented hospital system in a situation where there is a shortage of medical staff - Abu Meri

RIGA - Reorganizing the hospital network is not a choice, but a necessity, because it must be understood that a fragmented hospital system cannot be maintained in a situation where there is a shortage of medical professionals in the country, emphasizes Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri (New Unity).

As the Ministry of Health informed LETA, Abu Meri believes that funding alone does not ensure the availability of services if there is a shortage of doctors and nurses.

"Additional funding for emergency departments has already clearly shown that money alone is not enough," the minister points out. Therefore, in his opinion, hospital services must be organized "wisely and responsibly, concentrating staff and expertise." In Latvia, especially in the regions and border areas, human resources are limited and must be concentrated to ensure high-quality and safe treatment, which is why the transition to a three-tier hospital model is inevitable, Abu Meri believes.

The minister points out that the aim of the hospital network review is to keep emergency care and therapy closer to where people live, while concentrating complex care in regional and multi-profile hospitals. Abu Meri emphasizes that people are at the center of the changes to the hospital network and that the goal is to ensure fast and high-quality care regardless of where people live.