Many residents of Latvia regularly undergo various medical examinations, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging, which rely on specific medical equipment that must be certified and regularly checked. For patients with certain illnesses, like cancer, the reliability of equipment used for therapies such as radiation therapy is critical, as incorrect dosages can have serious health implications. Therefore, ensuring that the medical equipment is functioning correctly is paramount for patient safety.

However, the Latvian Society of Medical Engineering and Physics has pointed out that the current control system in Latvia is far from perfect and has significant gaps. There have been several scandals where investigations revealed that equipment checks were conducted merely as a formality, raising alarming questions about the standards of medical device oversight. This indicates a pressing need for reform in how medical devices are monitored in Latvia.

TVNET+ investigated the specifics surrounding these issues, uncovering various instances that highlight the failures in the system. These findings could have serious implications for patient safety and the overall trust in the healthcare system in Latvia, prompting calls for a complete overhaul of the existing certification and inspection framework to ensure that patients receive safe and effective treatments from reliable medical devices.