Health Minister Rules Out Cameras in Doctor's Offices; Highlights Hospital Management Responsibility

The Ministry of Health is committed to eradicating the practice where patients give so-called “gratitude” payments—cash or gifts—to doctors or medical staff after receiving services. However, the practical implementation has raised questions.

In a TV24 program “Uz līnijas”, Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri (JV) clarified that cameras in consultation rooms are not an option. “No, we cannot put cameras in the rooms because patients are there and very sensitive data is discussed,” said the minister.

Abu Meri explained that the primary responsibility for preventing such situations lies with hospital management and administration. Heads of institutions must monitor whether any unauthorized extra payments are being demanded from patients. The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau also follows up on reports and assesses whether the system shows suspicious or repeated cases.

According to the minister, in his own professional experience, he never felt that medical staff demanded extra money. Payments are made officially—either at the cashier for paid services, through insurance, or via state-funded care. If a healthcare worker asked for additional payment, that would be unacceptable.

At the same time, Abu Meri urged a distinction between demanding money and symbolic gifts that patients sometimes bring from the heart. In medicine, there have always been people who wish to express gratitude with chocolate, cake, apples, or eggs from their homes. “Of course, there will always be kind people who bring eggs or chocolate or cake,” said the minister.

He believes such cases require a humane approach. The minister admitted that he himself has several times refused such gifts, but then patients felt offended because the gift was given out of sincere thanks. “The patient ends up offended, saying ‘it is from the heart, I baked it for you, or I brought apples from my home’,” explained Abu Meri.

Therefore, the line must be drawn where gratitude turns into a demand or payment for the service. If a doctor or other medical staff asks for money, it is corruption and unacceptable. However, a symbolic gift after receiving help is not considered corruption. “If a person wants to say thank you with eggs from their home, that is very positive. I do not see that as corruption. But asking for money – that is corruption and must not happen,” emphasized the health minister.

Thus, the Ministry of Health’s plan does not involve turning hospitals into surveillance rooms or prohibiting all human gratitude. The goal is to ensure that patients do not feel compelled to pay extra for services that are covered by the state, insurance, or official paid services.