Enough! Abu Meri urged medical workers not to issue ultimatums 0 5

Health Minister Hosam Abu Meri is urging the Latvian Union of Health and Social Care Workers (LPRZSU), which has expressed distrust towards him, to continue negotiations and seek solutions instead of taking an ultimatum stance. The minister emphasized that he has always been open to dialogue.

Abu Meri, through his advisor Ilona Oša, told the LETA agency that negotiations with the union are always a diplomatic "tango" - one must be able to balance between the interests of workers and the possibilities of the state, but if the partner "attacks" - the dance will not succeed.

The minister notes that in preparing the budget for 2026, the government had to make difficult and responsible decisions to ensure both national security and the continuity of social functions, as well as to address demographic issues.

"I agreed to take the position of Minister of Health not for the sake of the position, but to achieve quality changes in healthcare," says Abu Meri.

"I realize that many people in my position felt uncomfortable due to the changes I proposed, but I am convinced that only through these changes can we create a sustainable healthcare system that is accessible to patients and respected by professionals," said the minister.

Abu Meri acknowledges that healthcare funding in Latvia remains extremely insufficient. "I have repeatedly emphasized this and fully agree with the unions' assessment - I have reiterated this to my colleagues in the government and in parliament time and again," says the minister.

Abu Meri reminds that it was under this government that medical workers received a significant salary increase in 2024.