The Latvian Ministry of Health announced that beginning in July, the government will cover the costs associated with pharmacist services for customers purchasing the cheapest prescription medications. This initiative aims to lessen out-of-pocket expenses for patients, particularly benefiting socially vulnerable groups such as children under 18, low-income individuals, and asylum seekers, who already receive full reimbursement under current policies. Additionally, the program has been allocated a funding boost of 9.6 million euros to extend this support to other groups, including those with disabilities.

Furthermore, the government plans to maintain the current fee of 0.75 euros for medications that are fully compensated from the national budget. This arrangement is intended to encourage responsible purchasing among patients and ensure a balanced allocation of state funding for healthcare. The Ministry emphasized the importance of improving the accessibility of medications while also considering additional support measures for other vulnerable communities.

The ongoing efforts mark a significant step towards addressing healthcare disparities in Latvia and ensuring that essential medication is more accessible, particularly for those who often face financial barriers. The changes are expected to have a positive impact on the well-being of many residents and highlight the government’s commitment to improving public health service delivery.