Patients prepare: what will change in Latvian medicine in the new year 0 10

There will also be a complete transition to electronic referrals to doctors and the principle of "one appointment," so that patients do not schedule appointments with multiple specialists at once – this should reduce queues for state medical services.

About free consultations with a nutrition specialist

Starting from July 1, 2026, it is planned to begin funding outpatient consultations with nutrition specialists for adult patients with chronic diseases and obesity from the budget.

Previously, this state-funded service was only available to patients with certain health conditions and to patients receiving inpatient treatment.

Joint replacement surgery: with partial payment

The demand for joint replacement surgeries is growing every year, resulting in increased waiting times for these procedures, the National Health Service (NHS) points out.

It is planned that in hospitals where scheduled joint replacement surgeries are performed, patients will also be able to receive this service on a partial payment basis. This means that a patient will be able to undergo surgery faster by paying 50% of the cost of the surgery and the prosthesis.

For patients who choose this option, a separate appointment queue will be formed, while they will still have the option to simultaneously register for the queue for surgery fully funded by the state.

However, this procedure will come into effect only from July 1 – subject to the approval of changes to Cabinet Regulation No. 555.

About medications: who will have the "pharmacist's service" canceled

It is planned that in the second half of 2026, pharmacies will no longer require payment for the pharmacist's service for individuals with first-group disabilities, as well as for all residents in cases where the price of a package of prescription medication does not exceed 10.00 euros (if the medication is not prescribed with 100% state compensation). In these cases, the state will cover the cost of the pharmacist's service.

Another important innovation concerns the provision of medications for pregnant women. In cases of venous complications and other diseases classified as complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, the level of state compensation for medications included in the list of reimbursable drugs will be increased from 75% to 100% for these diagnoses. At the same time, it is planned to include new iron-containing medications in the list.

It is also planned to improve the availability of medications for children by expanding the compensation conditions for certain drugs that are already reimbursed by the state, as well as by including new innovative and cost-effective medications.

About spinal surgeries outside of Riga

This concerns improving the accessibility of complex spinal surgeries funded by the state outside of Riga.

Currently, the service program "Surgical treatment of degenerative and complex spinal diseases, injuries using implants and navigation technologies" is implemented at the Traumatology and Orthopedics Hospital and the North Kurzeme Regional Hospital.

To increase accessibility outside of Riga, from January 1, 2026, similar services will also be provided at the Vidzeme Hospital (SIA Vidzemes slimnīca).

Palliative care should become more accessible

Thanks to additional funding allocated by the government for the provision of state-funded mobile palliative care services at home, the accessibility of this care for patients with limited life expectancy, severe disease progression, and high need for intensive care will be improved.

As previously reported, such assistance is provided to patients who require active symptom control, pain relief therapy, and social support to maintain their quality of life at the end stage of the disease.

At the same time, the availability of respiratory support devices will be expanded. For high-priority patients, as well as for patients without threats to vital functions who require breathing assistance for up to 10 hours a day and have low functionality, state-funded rental of BiPAP devices will be provided. These are respiratory support devices used to assist breathing during sleep or in cases of respiratory failure.

There will be a separate queue for children

Significant changes are expected in the field of outpatient services for children.

In a number of programs, state funding for children and adults will be planned separately, which means that medical institutions will be required to maintain two queues – one for children and one for adults. Quotas designated for children cannot be used for servicing adult patients.

The new procedure will apply to 14 service programs, including magnetic resonance imaging, cardiology, Doppler ultrasound, gastroenterology, ultrasound examinations, radiology, allergology, and others, as well as to day hospital programs – general surgery, ophthalmic surgery, treatment of neurological and internal diseases, gynecology, rehabilitation in day hospitals, and others.

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, preventive laboratory tests will be funded for children aged 5 to 11, including determining levels of low-density cholesterol, total cholesterol, and fasting glucose.

Another important innovation: to improve the accessibility of glasses for children in the regions, state-funded consultations with specialists, examinations, and glasses will be available in certain regional hospitals. Previously, parents with children had to travel to Riga, to the Children's Clinical University Hospital.

As part of the "Laboratory for the Development of Medical Service Models" project, the Center for Resources for Children and Adolescents is implementing a project for semi-automated cognitive-behavioral therapy. As a result, the accessibility of state-funded psychiatrist services in the digital environment will be improved.

Teenagers and young adults aged 14 to 25 with mild depression, low mood, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties will have access to a mobile application with supportive information and online consultations with a therapist.

If there are questions

Residents can obtain information about state-funded medical services by calling the NHS free phone number 80001234. Working hours: Monday – Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.