A man discovered that a hospital in Sigulda unjustly added him to the narcological registry many years ago. Being in such a database, a person theoretically remains there for life. This stigma not only humiliates him but also creates serious obstacles in obtaining a driver's license, as the medical commission looks at him with suspicion.
Maris, who is preparing documents to obtain a driver's license necessary for work, contacted the Bez Tabu editorial office (TV3). While preparing data for the medical commission, he was shocked to see in the E-veselība system that in 2007, a hospital in Sigulda had registered him with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. This has become a serious stain on his reputation. Having such a diagnosis limits his ability to obtain a firearms permit, work in certain professions, and, as it has now turned out, to get a driver's license — the commission views him with suspicion.
"Allegedly, I was in the hospital in Sigulda, although that is not true. My data was entered, but I was not there. Because of this, I am considered inadequate, as if I am 'not myself.' I have never experienced anything like this in my life!" - says Maris.
The data entered into the database does indeed belong to Maris but contains oddities — for example, in 2007 he is listed as a pensioner, although he was only 37 years old at that time.
After this unpleasant discovery, Maris contacted the Sigulda hospital demanding the removal of the disgraceful entry. They acknowledged that a mistake had occurred and that this was already the second such case in their institution, but they could not delete the entry — allegedly because it is unknown who entered it in 2007.
"The accounting department said that this is already their second case. Some sort of misunderstanding. I said — delete it, but they replied that they cannot," - the man recounted.
To somewhat rectify the situation, the hospital issued a handwritten certificate stating that the man has never been treated for such an addiction and is not actually registered. Maris had to pay 30 euros for this certificate, which he considers absurd. He is not satisfied with such a 'paper' solution — after all, the data in the databases still reflects this, meaning that other institutions may not recognize the certificate. With anxiety, Maris awaits his next visit to the medical commission — will they take this paper seriously?
The Data State Inspectorate (DSI) explained that if data is entered into the registry unjustifiably and the diagnosis is not documented, it constitutes a gross violation of human rights regarding the protection of personal data. If Maris contacts the DSI, the institution may initiate an investigation and, if a violation is confirmed, penalize the responsible medical institution. Maris also has the right to file a lawsuit and demand compensation for moral damages.
The management of the Sigulda hospital refused to comment on camera for Bez Tabu, ironically citing the protection of personal data:
"In accordance with the Patient Rights Law, the Personal Data Protection Law, and the General Data Protection Regulation, Sigulda Hospital is not entitled to disclose information regarding patients to third parties, therefore we do not consider it appropriate to hold a meeting. The administration thanks you for the provided information. An investigation into the circumstances of the case is currently underway. We will inform the mentioned person of the results.
At the Latvian Center for Digital Health, which services the E-veselība system, Bez Tabu was informed that they themselves cannot delete data from the registry. This can be done by the medical institution upon request. If the institution refuses, Maris should contact the Health Inspectorate, which after verification may demand the removal of the entry from the database.
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