Latvian Government Approves Rules on Critical Medicine Reserves
On 13 October the Cabinet of Ministers approved rules for creating critical medicine reserves and delivering them when regular supply is seriously disrupted. Three million euros a year is earmarked for this from 2026 to 2028.
The Latvian government, the Cabinet of Ministers, approved rules on Tuesday, 13 October, to create and maintain reserves of critical medicines and to deliver them to residents when regular medicine supply is seriously disrupted. The decision came a week after the Saeima (parliamentary) elections. Pēteris Apiņš wrote about it in an opinion column in the newspaper Latvijas Avīze. He recalled that professional organisations wrote to Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri about the need for such reserves three years ago, when he took office.
Funding and target group
From 2026 to 2028, three million euros a year is set aside from the Ministry of Defence budget to establish and maintain the reserves. The author considers the sum modest, at roughly one and a half euros per resident per year.
The system is intended for people with chronic illnesses who need to take medication regularly and whose health may worsen if treatment is interrupted. The reserves are meant for outpatient use, that is, for patients treated at home rather than in hospital.
What the list covers
The list of critical medicines covers 20 groups of diseases. It includes painkillers and anti-allergy drugs, medicines for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and oncology drugs.
How the system will work
In the event of a threat to the state, the reserve system can be activated and deliveries organised across Latvia's regions according to residents' actual needs. The National Health Service, the State Operational Medical Commission and pharmaceutical wholesalers will manage the reserves and coordinate deliveries. The new reserves will supplement the existing reserve system.
Patients with chronic conditions are still encouraged to keep a one-month supply of the medicines they need daily at home, so they are prepared for unforeseen situations.
