Latvian Oncology center Reconstruction Faces Funding Roadblock, Leaving Patients at Risk
Riga, Latvia – The long-awaited reconstruction of the Latvian Oncology Centre (LOC) at Riga East Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS) remains in limbo as funding sources remain unconfirmed, raising concerns about access to critical cancer care [[2]]. Armands Sīviņš, head of the LOC Oncosurgery Clinic, states the obligation for securing funding rests with the Ministry of Health (MoH).
Funding Diverted to Other Projects
The MoH is currently proposing a reallocation of funds, potentially eliminating the sixth round of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) initiative. This would divert 68.3 million euros originally earmarked for infrastructure projects at clinical university hospitals – including the LOC reconstruction – to the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS) A2 building project and the Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Health Centre (LIC) at RAKUS [[2]].
While 16 million euros for the LOC surgical block reconstruction is currently allocated from European funds, a portion still requires European Commission approval.the MoH’s draft regulations would redirect the remaining 58 million euros in ERDF funds and 10.2 million euros in national co-financing entirely to the PSKUS and LIC projects [[2]].
Growing Demand, Limited Resources
the delay in reconstruction comes as demand for cancer treatment, notably chemotherapy, is increasing [[2]]. Sīviņš warns that the lack of resources is already impacting accessibility of care.
Government Seeking EU Funds
The Latvian government had previously announced it’s intention to seek European Union funds to finance the reconstruction [[1]], following discussions between Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and President Edgar Rinkēvičs. Though,the current moh proposal casts doubt on this commitment.Latvia’s Cancer care Investment
Latvia has allocated significant funding towards comprehensive cancer care, including 19.4 million Euros for innovations and communication with screening participants