Average age of family doctors in Valka and Smiltene districts nears retirement – crisis deepens
In Valka district, the average age of family doctors has reached 65.3 years, while in Smiltene it is 60.9. Over the past two years, no new doctor has established or taken over a practice, and local government efforts to attract specialists have so far been unsuccessful.
Aging family doctors in the regions
According to data from the National Health Service's Vidzeme branch, the average age of family doctors in Valka district is 65.3 years, and in Smiltene district it is 60.9 years. These figures indicate that a large proportion of doctors are at or near retirement age, while young specialists are reluctant to set up practices in rural areas.
Young doctors primarily choose Riga and its surroundings, citing better opportunities for children and more accessible infrastructure. Additionally, a lack of suitable premises for new practices poses a significant challenge.
Local government actions and initiatives
The Valka district municipality is cooperating with the National Health Service to attract new doctors, but so far without success. In June, a meeting was held with local family doctors; only three out of six attended. Two doctors – Ilona Uzbeka and Inga Nātra – have expressed willingness to take medical residents into their practices, hoping they will stay to work in Valka.
The municipality offers scholarships and living quarters and is ready to organize introductory trips for students. However, similar attempts in Aizkraukle and Valka failed to generate student interest.
In Smiltene district, there are 11 family doctor practices, and in several parishes residents have access to paramedic points supported by the municipality. In Vireši, a new ultrasound machine was purchased in 2025 with municipal funding.
Situation in Valka district
Valka district has six family doctor practices but no paramedic points in rural parishes – they were closed when staff retired. Residents must travel to the city for medical care, often without their own transportation, making access difficult.
Dr. Ilona Uzbeka, who has been a family doctor since 2007, notes that her practice has 700 registered patients, mostly adults. She emphasizes that the municipality should improve communication with doctors to jointly address problems.
Residents' experiences
While some residents express dissatisfaction, many praise their family doctors. At paramedic points such as in Vireši, physician assistant Signe Klētniece has been working for 42 years, and patients highly appreciate the availability of ultrasound procedures and other services.
Overall, the situation in the regions is tense – the aging of doctors and the lack of new specialists make access to primary healthcare a pressing issue.
