Latvia currently faces a significant gap in healthcare services for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. With more than 4,000 patients afflicted, the diagnosis is increasingly being made in younger populations. While fellow Baltic nations, Lithuania and Estonia, have implemented therapies that enhance the lives of Parkinson's patients, Latvia has not made such services available, even on a paid basis. This lack of access is especially troubling given that Latvia possesses the necessary equipment and specialists capable of delivering these treatments. A collaborative investigation by students from Rīga Stradiņš University has sought to uncover the reasons behind this healthcare disparity.

The case of Normunds Egle, a former entrepreneur from Virgas parish who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 13 years ago at the age of 50, highlights the ramifications of inadequate treatment options. After successfully running multiple businesses, he found himself unable to work due to his condition, ultimately selling his companies. His story reflects not just a personal struggle but the broader issue facing many patients in Latvia who are deprived of modern therapeutic options that could allow them to lead more fulfilling lives.

The absence of these treatments in Latvia raises critical questions about healthcare policy and patient rights within the nation. With neighboring countries providing such services, the Latvian government and health authorities are urged to address this healthcare inequality. The situation presents an opportunity for systemic improvement, potentially encouraging discussions about health funding and resources allocated to chronic disease management in the country.