HealthPublished: 23 July 2026 at 22:37

SMA Patients in Latvia Rent Cough Assist Device for €350 per Month; State Does Not Cover Cost

23 Latvian residents with spinal muscular atrophy and other severe diagnoses need a cough assist device that is not state-funded – patients can buy it for several thousand euros or rent it for €350 per month.

In Latvia, 23 people with spinal muscular atrophy and other severe conditions face a financial burden as the necessary cough assist device is not covered by the state. Without the device, patients risk suffocation due to mucus. The device can be purchased for several thousand euros or rented for €350 per month. Only recently did the Ministry of Health include the purchase of these devices on its priority list.

Comments

Choose a username (stays yours for good):

0/1500

Comments are automatically moderated. No hate, threats, personal data or spam.

Loading comments…

More in this category

Health

Cough Assist Devices Could Become Free of Charge

Currently, the state does not cover the cost of cough assist devices, which are vital for patients with severe diseases. The Ministry of Health has included funding in a priority measures list, potentially making the devices free in the future.

Apollo.lv · 2 h ago

Health

Road traffic noise may increase risk of Parkinson's disease, study finds

Long-term exposure to road traffic noise is associated with a higher risk of Parkinson's disease, according to the largest study of its kind involving 3.1 million participants.

The Guardian Science · 8 h ago

Health

Poorest children in England 40% more likely to be hospitalised for lung infections

A new analysis reveals children in the most deprived areas of England are 40% more likely to be admitted to hospital for respiratory infections, driven by air pollution and poor living conditions.

The Guardian World · 9 h ago