https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/13.07.2026-latvia-does-okay-on-hospital-bed-provision.a654860/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:34:46 GMT 654860 Fresh Eurostat data published on July 13th shows that Latvia is pretty much average among its EU peers when it comes to providing hospital beds for the treatment of its population. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/10.07.2026-latvia-celebrates-50th-heart-transplant.a654609/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:46:21 GMT 654609 The 50th heart transplant in Latvia has taken place at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS), reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/09.07.2026-ai-data-centre-to-help-latvian-doctors-make-quicker-diagnoses.a654429/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:30:30 GMT 654429 Time is of the essence in diagnosing diseases, including cancer, as well as in selecting the most appropriate treatment methods. Thanks to high-performance computing, what used to take years can now be analysed much more quickly. A new artificial intelligence data server will provide Latvian scientists with this opportunity, Latvian Television reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/08.07.2026-young-latvians-feel-a-lot-better-than-their-elders.a653972/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:58:00 GMT 653972 Young people in Latvia don't feel as well as most of their European Union peers, but at least they feel a lot better than their elders. Such are some of the conclusions that can be drawn from fresh Eurostat data published on July 7th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/08.07.2026-latvias-main-cancer-clinic-to-be-reconstructed-over-two-years.a654354/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:04:28 GMT 654354 On Wednesday, July 8, the Oncology Centre at Riga East University Hospital (RAKUS) was handed over to contractors for full-scale reconstruction, covering 10 floors and an area of more than 23,000 square metres, Latvian Radio reported on August 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/08.07.2026-founder-of-latvian-emergency-service-passes-away.a654329/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:01:05 GMT 654329 Following a serious illness, Dr Renāte Pupele (June 14, 1953–July 5, 2026), the founder and first director of the State Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) and a healthcare management professional, has passed away, according to a post by the NMPD on Facebook. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/07.07.2026-patients-rights-discussed-after-case-of-bullet-non-removal.a654121/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:05:23 GMT 654121 Following the Health Inspectorate’s report on the case of the woman shot in the back in Rītabuļļi Forest, ombudsman Karina Palkova questions whether people are overlooking the fact that the Patient Rights Law protects not only the method of treatment, but also the patient, Latvian Radio reported on July 6. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/06.07.2026-cancer-patients-will-be-centre-stage-at-lampa-festival.a654078/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:21:06 GMT 654078 Cancer patients want not only to survive, but also to live a high-quality, fulfilling life, but state-funded rehabilitation, psychological support, and medical supplements do not always reach patients with a serious diagnosis. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/06.07.2026-water-leak-at-major-riga-hospital-due-to-heavy-rain.a653948/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:43:27 GMT 653948 Due to heavy rainfall during the night of July 5–6, a water leak was detected in Building 32 of the Paula Stradiņa Clinical University Hospital, resulting in damage to the hospital’s infrastructure. Thirty-two patients were relocated, the hospital reported on July 6 morning. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/02.07.2026-medical-e-referral-system-still-has-some-glitches-says-patient-rights-expert.a653635/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:20:00 GMT 653635 The e-referral system, which allows patients to make an online appointment at a medical institution with one referral, is good in principle, but as a tool it works incorrectly and not in the interests of the patient, according to patient rights expert Solvita Olsena. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/02.07.2026-riga-childrens-hospital-wants-to-raise-admission-age-to-25.a653537/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:36:15 GMT 653537 The Children's Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) has committed to raising the age limit to 25 years in the future, said Valts Ābols, chairman of the BKUS board, in an interview on the Latvian Television program “Morning Panorama” on July 2. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/01.07.2026-health-inspectorate-rules-controversial-treatment-of-bullet-injury-fine.a653441/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:29:00 GMT 653441 The Health Inspectorate has completed its investigation into the actions of doctors at Stradiņš Hospital after a woman was shot while walking in the Rītabuļļu Forest in early March, Latvian Radio reported on July 1. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/30.06.2026-children-in-latvia-get-salmonella-after-eating-raw-instant-noodles.a653318/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:17:00 GMT 653318 Four elementary school-aged children fell ill with salmonellosis in April and May after consuming “Reeva” instant noodles in their dry, uncooked form, according to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/30.06.2026-state-to-cover-some-pharmacist-service-fees-in-latvia.a653228/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:56:38 GMT 653228 Starting July 1, 2026, residents will no longer have to pay the pharmacist’s service fee when purchasing prescription medications that cost no more than 10 euros per package – the state will cover it, according to a release by the Ministry of Health. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/30.06.2026-latvias-hospitals-feel-the-heat.a653220/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:49:33 GMT 653220 The hot weather, which many people enjoy, has unfortunately caused health problems for children, seniors, and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Some people suffering from dehydration have also been admitted to hospitals, Latvian Television reported on June 30. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/30.06.2026-damaged-cable-leaves-patients-without-meds-in-latvia.a653205/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:13:13 GMT 653205 A cable break should not halt medication dispensing, notes the cybersecurity institution "Cert.lv" in its analysis of the "e-health" system outage that occurred over the weekend, Latvian Television reported on June 29. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/29.06.2026-paramedics-rush-to-help-overheated-people-in-latvia.a653041/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:38:46 GMT 653041 This weekend, State Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) personnel have responded to several calls involving people who have experienced various health problems due to the heat, Latvian Radio reported on June 28. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/26.06.2026-young-woman-hospitalised-after-taking-weight-loss-meds-bought-online.a652794/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:29:00 GMT 652794 A young woman was treated at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital after using a weight-loss product purchased online, according to the State Agency of Medicines (ZVA), which urged the public to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and licensed online pharmacies. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/26.06.2026-latvian-mental-hospitals-drunk-tank-spills-over-after-midsummer.a652741/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:14:15 GMT 652741 Thirty-two drunks in twenty-eight beds – that is the situation in the Addiction Treatment Department of the National Mental Health Centre following the long Midsummer holiday weekend. Doctors, however, expect that the largest influx of patients is yet to come, Latvian Television reported on June 25. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/25.06.2026-busy-holiday-for-emergency-services-in-latvia.a652571/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:07:00 GMT 652571 Almost every year before Midsummer, we hope that this time the holiday news will be free of tragedies. However, once again, the long holiday weekend in Latvia has been marred by grim statistics. The holiday weekend has claimed the lives of several people on the roads, in the water, and in a fire, Latvian Television reported on June 24 evening. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/23.06.2026-how-to-help-if-someone-gets-into-a-grilling-accident.a652477/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:17:23 GMT 652477 Hot coals and grill surfaces in the summer can result in an unpleasant burn. Meanwhile, another dangerous situation can arise while grilling and eating meat: choking. Miķelis Puķītis, chief specialist of the First Aid Training System Organisation Department at the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD), explained how to provide first aid in such cases. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/22.06.2026-possible-medical-misconduct-case-to-be-reviewed-in-latvia.a652415/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:20:00 GMT 652415 The Ministry of Health’s (VM) planned reform of the hospital network promises to address a long-standing problem – inconsistent quality of care in hospitals. Several cases have come to the ministry's attention in which the quality of care provided was so poor that specialists in Rīga had to correct mistakes made by lower-level hospitals, Latvian Television reported on June 21. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/17.06.2026-more-millions-allocated-to-stradins-hospital-new-building.a651792/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:33:45 GMT 651792 The government decided on Tuesday, June 16, to allocate 14,508,043 euros for the second phase of construction of Building A2 at the Paula Stradiņa Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS), newswire LETA reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/16.06.2026-long-lines-of-ambulances-at-rigas-stradins-hospital.a651620/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:06:26 GMT 651620 Long traffic jams involving ambulances form near Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS) and jeopardise emergency care, Latvian Radio reported on June 15. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/16.06.2026-rigas-largest-hospitals-say-they-have-plans-in-case-of-air-threat.a651616/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:21:03 GMT 651616 None of Rīga’s major hospitals has an underground shelter where people can seek refuge during an air raid or other emergency. However, this does not mean that patients are left to fend for themselves. Hospitals have developed other plans, Latvian Television reported on June 15. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/15.06.2026-riga-is-one-urgent-care-facility-short-says-hospital-official.a651489/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:07:41 GMT 651489 Rīga is lacking either another emergency care hospital or a hospital capable of admitting patients who do not require advanced medical services, said Dace Žentiņa, a member of the board of the Paula Stradiņa Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS), in an interview on Monday morning on the Latvian Television programme "Morning Panorama". https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/10.06.2026-interview-bacterial-resistance-risks-deaths-from-simple-infections.a650925/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:23:22 GMT 650925 The world is facing a silent pandemic that many don’t even notice – antimicrobial resistance. Bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics and threatening the lives of many people, says professor Dimitri Van der Linden, a paediatric infectious disease specialist from Belgium, in an interview with Latvian Radio's Laura Dzērve. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/09.06.2026-plan-to-introduce-e-cigarette-deposit-system-still-hanging-in-the-air.a650831/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:04:00 GMT 650831 Discussions on the potential  introduction of an e-cigarette deposit system will continue in the Saeima, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/09.06.2026-latvian-government-will-pay-pharmacist-fees-in-future.a650789/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:23:00 GMT 650789 Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians covered by the Ukrainian Civilian Support Law will no longer be exempt from paying a pharmacist's service fee for a prescription. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/08.06.2026-blood-needed-urgently-in-latvia.a650523/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:54:24 GMT 650523 The State Blood Donor Centre (VADC) is urging the public to donate blood, as there is currently a critical shortage of donors for all blood types, Latvian Television's Morning Panorama reports on June 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/05.06.2026-no-swimming-in-kolka-due-to-faecal-contamination.a650322/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:44:34 GMT 650322 The Health Inspectorate reported on June 5 that intestinal enterococci, or faecal contamination, have been detected in the sea at the Kolka swimming area in western Latvia, and swimming there is therefore prohibited. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/05.06.2026-fire-alarm-at-riga-hospital-caused-confusion-over-patient-evacuation.a650317/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:40:00 GMT 650317 The sounding of a fire alarm at a major Rīga hospital this week caused confusion, according to a Latvian Radio report. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/05.06.2026-latvia-thinks-about-bigger-penalties-for-attacking-doctors.a650220/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:23:00 GMT 650220 Three attacks on doctors occurred in May at the Emergency Care Clinic of Rīga East Hospital by patients and relatives. Doctors believe that the law should be expanded so that an attack on a doctor is considered an attack on a public official, which carries a prison sentence, Latvian Television reported on June 4. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/04.06.2026-latvia-will-start-exchanging-laboratory-data-with-other-eu-states.a650077/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:51 GMT 650077 The Latvian Digital Health Centre, in cooperation with the National Health Service, is implementing the project “Exchange of laboratory data of Latvian patients”, the aim of which is to launch a new E-health service; the cross-border exchange of laboratory test results within the European Union (EU). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/03.06.2026-urgent-care-unit-to-be-closed-in-latvian-northern-town-valka.a649870/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:35:00 GMT 649870 A shortage of medical staff has forced Vidzeme Hospital to decide to close the emergency medical care centre in Valka on the Estonian border, Latvian Radio reports on June 3. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/01.06.2026-fuel-company-promises-coffee-for-blood.a649629/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:28:08 GMT 649629 Blood donation is essential for Latvia’s healthcare system, so to raise public awareness of the importance of blood donation and the need to regularly replenish blood supplies, fuel station chain Virši is launching a promotion with the State Blood Donor Centre (VADC). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/01.06.2026-corruption-investigation-underway-at-several-latvian-hospitals.a649516/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:51:55 GMT 649516 Five criminal cases have already been initiated in connection with hospital procurement, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on May 31. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/21.05.2026-corruption-cops-raid-three-latvian-hospitals.a648199/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 21 May 2026 13:55:27 GMT 648199 On Thursday, May 21, morning, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) conducted searches at the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, the Traumatology and Orthopaedics Hospital (TOS), and Vidzeme Hospital in Valmiera, according to information available to the LETA news agency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/14.05.2026-blood-urgently-needed-in-latvia.a647061/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 14 May 2026 08:02:39 GMT 647061 The State Blood Donor Centre (VADC) has seen a decline in the number of donors in recent weeks, while the need for blood supplies is increasing, Latvian Television reported on May 13. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/13.05.2026-doctors-push-for-simpler-disability-status-procedure-in-latvia.a646885/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 13 May 2026 08:29:00 GMT 646885 Inconvenience for the patient and their loved ones, and a waste of the doctor’s time – this is what family doctors face daily when, for example, a patient is diagnosed with a chronic, incurable illness and should almost automatically be granted disability benefits. Red tape must be reduced, they believe. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/12.05.2026-warmer-weather-brings-more-injured-children-to-latvias-hospitals.a646687/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 12 May 2026 06:01:59 GMT 646687 With the arrival of warmer weather and increased outdoor physical activity, the number of injuries sustained by children while riding bicycles and other vehicles is unfortunately on the rise again, Latvian Television reported on 11th May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/11.05.2026-reminder-boil-your-tap-water-this-week-in-riga.a646520/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 11 May 2026 07:38:00 GMT 646520 From May 11 to 15, preventive disinfection, or chlorination, of the Rīga water supply network is planned, as reported earlier by LSM. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/08.05.2026-latvias-rats-are-prodigious-disease-carriers.a646307/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 08 May 2026 14:40:00 GMT 646307 Every third rodent examined in Latvia is infected with leptospirosis, while every sixth rat carries panhantaviruses, some of which can cause serious health problems in humans, according to tests by the Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment Research Institute "Bior". However, the most common type of hantavirus in Latvia is not the same as the one recently detected on a Dutch cruise ship which has caused an international scramble to trace contact persons. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/06.05.2026-ogre-hospital-introduces-prepayments-for-services.a645809/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 06 May 2026 06:59:53 GMT 645809 The Ogre Municipal Hospital has introduced a 100% prepayment policy for fee-based services to reduce the number of patients who fail to show up for their appointments, Zemgale Regional Television reported on th May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/05.05.2026-digital-referrals-now-mandatory-in-latvias-healthcare-system.a645708/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 05 May 2026 11:44:53 GMT 645708 As of Tuesday, May 5th, the transition period for the introduction of the new e-referrals has ended, and from now on, patient referrals for outpatient and inpatient services will be issued primarily electronically. This year, there are also plans to introduce a unified appointment system, which should help reduce waiting lists at doctors’ offices, Latvian Radio reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/30.04.2026-remember-ticks-are-awake-in-latvia.a645153/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:16:48 GMT 645153 Last winter was very favourable for pests, and tick season has already begun in Latvia. At Jēkabpils Regional Hospital alone, 12 ticks have already been removed this year. Since the incidence of tick-borne diseases has been rising in recent years, experts are urging people to take extra precautions this year, reminding them that vaccination is the safest form of protection, Vidusdaugava Television reported on 29th April. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/30.04.2026-first-hospice-day-centre-in-riga-latvia-opens.a645151/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:56:00 GMT 645151 The social enterprise "Hospiss māja" has opened a hospice day care centre in Rīga. This is the first day centre in Latvia specifically for hospice patients whose care at home is complicated by their health condition and social circumstances, Latvian Radio reported on 29th April. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/29.04.2026-first-mushroom-poisoning-case-registered-this-year-in-latvia.a644988/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:41:00 GMT 644988 The first spring mushrooms have appeared in the forests, and the Toxicology and Sepsis Centre at Riga East University Hospital (RAKUS) has already admitted a mushroom picker who suffered severe poisoning after eating Gyromitra esculenta. Many people consider them harmless if prepared correctly. However, doctors and mycologists warn that these spring mushrooms are dangerous and should not be consumed, Latvian Television reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/28.04.2026-patients-say-hospitals-in-latvia-often-dont-explain-meds.a644889/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:42:02 GMT 644889 Some patients in Latvian hospitals say they are not sufficiently informed about the medications prescribed to them and their possible side effects, according to the data of a patient experience survey. Vita Šteina, a patient experience expert at Stradiņš Hospital and head of the Latvian Patient Experience Association, talked about this on the Latvian Radio programme "How to Live Better." https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/27.04.2026-riga-hospital-employee-found-dead-at-workplace.a644693/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:57:00 GMT 644693 A hospital employee was found dead at his workplace at Riga East University Hospital (RAKUS) on April 27th, RAKUS reported. Latvian Television reports that she had been crushed by a door.