Another Family Doctor Closes Practice in Valka, Leaving Seniors in Distress
Starting August 13, family doctor Māris Nātra will close his practice in Valka, adding to the region's doctor shortage. Elderly patients worry about finding new care.
The already strained primary healthcare system in Valka region faces another blow this summer. On August 13, Dr. Māris Nātra, a beloved family doctor, will close his practice. He is currently on a well-deserved vacation, but the closure has caused anxiety among his patients, especially the elderly who form the majority of his patient list.
Patients have expressed concerns on social media about the difficulty of finding a new family doctor, as available slots in the region are scarce. Many seniors praised Dr. Nātra for his warm and empathetic approach, for listening patiently, and for providing human connection beyond just prescribing e-prescriptions. The location of his practice in the city center was also crucial, allowing elderly patients to walk to nearby pharmacies.
Despite efforts by the local municipality to recruit new doctors, no success has been reported. Some social media users have suggested reinstating a system where med school graduates funded by the state must work in regions for a few years. However, such a policy is not currently in place.
This case highlights a recurring issue in regional media: the worsening accessibility of medical services and doctors. With the 15th Saeima elections approaching, voters may want to scrutinize parties' promises in healthcare.
