Online Discussion with Daniels Pavļuts, Minister of Health
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 - 13:00
Online discussion “Improving the Health of Latvia’s Health System” with Daniels Pavļuts, Minister of Health was held on Wednesday 19 May and gathered more than 90 participants. The event was organised in cooperation with Danish, Finnish, Irish, Norwegian, Swedish and Swiss Chambers of Commerce.
The discussion kicked off with an overview on current epidemiological situation in Latvia and progress of the vaccination. So far 402,000 people have been vaccinated in Latvia from which 129,400 have been fully vaccinated. Since 3rd May, vaccination has been opened to everyone, including foreigners residing in Latvia. Minister also spoke about the plans of relaxing restrictions for the vaccinated people with domestic “green certificates” available as of 1st June and EU Green Digital Certificates available as of 15 June. Talking about Health system’s priorities and budget in 2021, Minister pointed out the main areas of focus, including catching up with treatments postponed due to Covid-19, building resilience of Latvian healthcare at all levels as well as focusing on healthcare human capital and infrastructure.
Minister also spoke about the digitalisation of Latvian healthcare, using ecosystem approach. He emphasised that it is crucial that both the government and multi-sectoral stakeholders drive the development of the Digital Health strategy and plans and that it is a public process in which there is a maximum openness to any potential solutions.
We would like to thank Mr Daniels Pavļuts for finding time to address our members as well as Mr Andžs Ūbelis, Director, Management Consulting in KPMG Baltics/Member of Fiscal Disciple Council of Republic of Latvia for moderating the discussion.