Health sector organizations urge Latvian government to make healthcare a priority
A coalition of Latvian health sector organizations behind the initiative "Without Health There Is No State" is calling for increased healthcare funding and greater consideration of patient experience. The demands were discussed with the health minister in June.
A coalition of health sector organizations in Latvia has formed an initiative called "Without Health There Is No State," calling on policymakers to make healthcare one of the country's top priorities. The manifesto behind the initiative was created in spring 2026, and in June the names of 18 organizations that had joined were made public — including patient associations, professional medical organizations, and other health-related groups. The manifesto reportedly remains open to further organizations joining.
Three core demands
The initiative's participants have put forward three specific demands to the government. First, increase healthcare funding to at least 6% of gross domestic product. Second, raise the budget for reimbursable medications by at least 30%. Third, speed up the inclusion of cost-effective innovative medications in the state compensation system. The organizations stress that healthcare should not be funded only on a leftover basis, after other budget needs have already been met.
Beyond just funding
The organizations note that the initiative's goals go beyond financing alone — they call for greater consideration, in decision-making, of the views of patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals who experience the system firsthand. In June, a meeting took place with Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri and representatives of the New Unity party, during which the role of patient organizations in shaping health policy was specifically emphasized.
Representatives of the initiative also point out that healthcare problems — long waiting lists, delayed diagnostics, and limited access to newer medications — cannot simply wait for the next budget cycle or political agenda. They also emphasize that a healthy workforce affects business costs and the national economy as a whole, describing investment in health as an investment in the country's future.
It remains unclear whether and to what extent these demands will be reflected in the state budget or in future policy decisions.
