She said that the classification and ordering of hospitals will begin on April 1. The hospitals will have to determine which services they are able to provide to a high standard, and which services they cannot provide anymore and plan on giving up.
The minister said that there will be a change in hospital profiles, especially in the regions.
“Of course, we will be monitoring this process. From now on the state will allow hospitals to provide only the services they are able to perform to a high standard. A hospital cannot possibly provide a specific service if it lacks relevant specialists,” said Viņķele.
Viņķele also added that the intention is not to close hospitals, but to concentrate the services they provide.
Viņķele spoke in response to Prime Minister Krišjānis Karinš' comments on healthcare.
