Hospital Association Opposes Funding Model for Sexual Violence Support Center
The Latvian Hospital Association (LSB) supports the establishment of a support center for sexual violence victims but opposes its funding model, which would take funds from already underfunded inpatient healthcare. The association calls for funding from a new budget source.
The Latvian Hospital Association (LSB) has voiced objections to the government's proposed funding model for a support center for victims of sexual violence. The issue is set to be discussed at the government meeting on June 30.
According to the LSB, the plan envisions that from 2027, the center's permanent operations (€173,934 per year) would be funded by reducing inpatient healthcare funding, rather than allocating new state budget funds. The association has not approved the project.
While the LSB fully supports the establishment of the center and does not question its necessity, it considers the funding model unacceptable. Artūrs Bērziņš, Chairman of the Board, points out that inpatient healthcare in Latvia is already underfunded. He cites National Health Service data, which indicates a shortfall of nearly €15 million for diagnosis-related group services to achieve adequate funding levels. "In such a situation, talking about a 'free surplus' from which to finance new initiatives is misleading," Bērziņš emphasizes.
The LSB also draws attention to the fact that the service will initially be available at only one facility in Riga, creating additional accessibility disparities for residents of Latgale, Kurzeme, Zemgale, and Vidzeme.
The association calls on state institutions to ensure permanent funding for the center from a new, separate budget source, and that future new state priorities in healthcare be linked to new funding, not the redistribution of already underfunded areas.
