DELFI TV to host live discussion on Latvia's looming medicine shortage crisis
On August 24, DELFI TV will broadcast a live discussion with experts and state institution representatives on how the current drug pricing and reimbursement system threatens access to everyday medicines. The focus will be on generic drugs, which make up most of the medicines used in Latvia.
On Monday, August 24, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, DELFI TV will air a live broadcast in which experts and representatives of state institutions will discuss the growing risk of medicine shortages in Latvia. The discussion aims to find solutions to prevent a situation where residents are left without life-saving medications.
While public attention usually focuses on expensive, innovative drugs, this discussion will center on generic (patent-free) medicines, which accounted for about 76% of all medicines used in Latvia in 2025, while consuming only 43% of the reimbursed drug budget. These medicines provide treatment for chronic conditions for a large share of patients.
Shrinking availability
Between 2022 and 2025, 553 medicines were removed from Latvia's list of reimbursable drugs. Organizers point out that bureaucratic burdens are slowing the entry of new medicines to the market, while rising production and supply costs have reduced the number of global suppliers of generic drugs. According to available data, 46% of critically important medicines have only one manufacturer, and 22% have just two. Only 20% of medicines have more than three suppliers, which would ensure more reliable availability. Notably, 92% of critically important medicines are generic drugs.
Discussion organizers note that a small market with pressure toward low prices, combined with higher taxes than in neighboring Lithuania and Estonia, may struggle to attract manufacturers — increasing the risk of shortages.
Topics for discussion
The broadcast will seek answers to how the medicine availability crisis is developing, what would happen if more generic drugs disappeared from the market, whether the current reimbursement policy is sustainable, and what measures should be taken now to prevent patients from being left without needed medicines in the future.
