The discussion of the hospital network reform has raised concerns in Jelgava due to possible changes in the operation of the Children's Department of the city hospital. Authorities assure that no decision to close has been made, but they acknowledge that various options for reorganization are indeed being considered.
The fate of the Children's Department of Jelgava City Hospital has become the subject of active discussions following the publication of a draft amendment to the organization of medical services.
The cause for concern stems from provisions in the document stating that the hospital must ensure the availability of a pediatrician on duty and, if necessary, the hospitalization of children until the end of 2027. Against the backdrop of the upcoming reform of the hospital network, some local politicians fear that the volume of services provided may decrease in the future.
Health Minister Hosam Abu Meri emphasizes that no final decisions have been made yet. According to him, pediatric beds in Jelgava should be maintained, although their number may be revised. The reason cited is the relatively low workload of the department and the fact that some patients prefer to seek specialized help in Riga.
At the same time, the minister specifically noted that access to emergency care for children and round-the-clock pediatrician duty must be ensured in the future.
Due to public resonance, the issue was brought to the Jelgava City Council for consideration at the initiative of opposition deputies. Deputy Chairman of the Council Aigars Rubliš stated that there is currently no talk of closing the department. However, he confirmed that the Ministry of Health is considering the possibility of changing its operational format.
The main argument of supporters of the changes is the shortage of medical specialists faced by many regional hospitals.
The Jelgava City Hospital itself also rejects claims that a decision to close has already been made. The management of the institution reminds that the draft regulations are still in the stage of public discussion. However, the hospital acknowledges that a proposal for possible changes has indeed come from the Ministry of Health, and such a scenario is being considered among possible options for development.
What is important to know: even if the structure of the department is changed, the hospital states its intention to maintain emergency care for children, develop outpatient services, and continue cooperation with the Children's Clinical University Hospital in Riga.
Another topic of negotiation remains funding. In Jelgava, there are concerns about a possible reduction in funds for providing emergency care to children and opposition to such a scenario. Discussions on this issue with the ministry are ongoing.
The discussion takes place against the backdrop of a large-scale reform of the hospital network, which is set to come into effect in 2027. According to the draft, Jelgava City Hospital will retain its status as a regional hospital.
So far, neither the Ministry of Health nor the hospital management has provided a definitive answer to the main question — what the Children's Department will look like after the reform. Negotiations are ongoing, and a decision will be made after the public discussion is completed.
