Latvia has unveiled a new roadmap aimed at improving access to medicines, in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The Ministry of Health announced plans to implement significant reforms later this year, focusing on reducing the financial burden of prescription medicines on the population. These changes aim to lower the cost of prescription medicines for Latvian residents by 15–20%, contributing to better health outcomes across the country.
One of the key highlights of the roadmap is the substantial increase in the reimbursement rate for eligible medicines, which will rise to at least 75%. This means that patients will only be required to cover 25% or less of the cost, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses. The plan outlines specific steps and timelines for the country to achieve these objectives.
WHO representatives have applauded Latvia’s efforts. “This is an important achievement in line with WHO recommendations on improving access to medicines while reducing financial hardship,” said Karina Zalite, WHO Liaison Officer to Latvia. The WHO has committed to supporting Latvia in its pursuit of universal health coverage through these reforms.
Addressing the High Cost of Medicines
The high cost of prescription drugs has long been a pressing issue in Latvia, attributed to varying markups, tax rates, and comparatively lower state funding for medicine reimbursements. The proposed reforms aim to mitigate these disparities by expanding the list of reimbursable medicines, allowing more residents to access essential treatments. This measure is expected to alleviate barriers for individuals who previously struggled to afford certain medications.
Dr. Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of WHO/Europe’s Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, emphasized the broader impact: “When more people can afford a wider range of medicines without facing financial hardship, we are actively building healthier communities.”
Implementation Strategy
Latvia’s Ministry of Health has developed a multi-phase implementation plan, which includes a uniform pricing model for all prescription medicines and a price cap to align with neighboring countries, Estonia and Lithuania. Additionally, the National Health Service will review the list of reimbursable medicines and increase reimbursement rates for certain drugs from 50% to 75%.
The Ministry also plans to enhance transparency in medicine stocks by requiring large pharmacies to make supplies available online and improve information exchange regarding supply interruptions. Moreover, new pharmaceutical care services are expected to be introduced by mid-2024, further aligning with WHO/Europe’s sustainable health policies.
These reforms mark a significant milestone in ensuring that medicines in Latvia become more affordable and accessible, benefiting the entire population.
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