A year after the Latvian Ministry of Health implemented a major drug pricing reform, predictions of widespread pharmacy closures and drug shortages have not materialized. The average price for prescription drugs has dropped by 17%, indicating that the reform has significantly benefited consumers. However, the non-prescription drug segment is experiencing a continued rise in prices, prompting experts to consider whether stricter controls should be applied to these prices as well.

In 2019, the Competition Council noted that Latvian consumers were paying more for medications compared to neighboring countries, without any restrictions on the markups set by domestic retailers. This situation prompted a deeper investigation by the State Audit Office, focusing particularly on oncology drugs. Their findings revealed that drug pricing is composed of multiple components, including the manufacturer's price, the wholesaler's markup, and the pharmacy's markup, suggesting that there is potential for further reforms to cap these costs.

The continuation of this pricing trend raises questions about the overall access to medications for consumers, particularly given the increased costs associated with non-prescription drugs. As these issues unfold, it will be important for health authorities to monitor price changes and ensure that all patients can afford necessary medications without financial distress, which could also impact public health outcomes in Latvia.