Director Sandijs Semyonov underwent surgery at Stradins Hospital due to an inguinal hernia. In an interview with the publication “Privātā Dzīve,” he noted that during his stay in the hospital, he observed the widespread use of the Russian language in communication with patients.
“I was surprised. I understand that doctors want the patient to understand everything, but in a public hospital where surgeries are paid for with taxpayers' money, this should not be the norm, in my opinion,” said Semyonov.
The director also spoke about a conversation with a nurse who had worked for many years in Scandinavian countries.
“She said that there, communication with patients only occurred in the language of the respective country. If the patient did not know it, a translator was invited. In Latvia, we are too tolerant of people speaking other languages. It is sad that people who have lived their whole lives in Latvia are unable to at least learn Latvian to the level where they can talk about their health condition,” stated Semyonov.
Leave a comment