Overview

The Latvian National Health System serves a population of 1.8 million. Despite near universal population coverage, the benefits package is rather limited in scope and co-payments are required for several services as well as for reimbursable medicines.

From 2000 to 2019, current health expenditure (CHE) as a percentage of GDP remained stable but rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 9% in 2021. Nevertheless, per capita spending in Latvia is among the lowest across EU countries and within the WHO European Region. Out-of-pocket (OOP) spending on health, particularly on pharmaceuticals, is one of the highest in Europe at 27% in 2021, significantly above the EU average (15%).

Efforts to improve primary care, including quality incentives for general practitioners, have been implemented alongside digital health initiatives. Since 2000, Latvia has recorded the largest decrease in hospital bed numbers among the Baltic states. Public health interventions target smoking, obesity, and preventable diseases. Unmet care needs persist, particularly for low-income groups. Recent reforms emphasize funding sustainability for the health system, improving preventive care, and strengthening workforce retention.