Competition Council Finds No Violations in Private Medical Market After Two-Year Probe

Investigation Results

The Competition Council of Latvia (KP) has completed an extensive investigation lasting more than two years, concluding that state and municipal healthcare institutions have not violated competition rules. Private medical service providers had long expressed concerns that these institutions enjoy unfair advantages because they receive government subsidies and fund support.

No Violations Found

After a thorough analysis, the KP did not detect any dumping pricing or market distortion. The investigators examined whether public healthcare institutions use their financial support to offer services at lower prices, potentially harming private competitors. The suspicions were not confirmed.

Handover to Law Enforcement

Although no market violations were discovered, the Competition Council decided to hand over its findings and investigation materials to law enforcement authorities. The KP explains that this is a standard procedure to ensure a full evaluation of the case from all possible legal angles.

Reactions and Future Outlook

Private sector representatives had hoped the investigation would reveal market imbalances. Now they will need to consider other ways to advocate for fairer competition. Meanwhile, state and municipal hospitals maintain that their funding is intended to improve patient care, not to distort competition.