The Government on Tuesday, 27 January, approved amendments to the regulations on attracting and retaining medical practitioners in positions within the state-funded healthcare sector*. The decision provides for the reallocation of European Union funding, significantly increasing the amount available for compensation to medical professionals who will work in positions in the public sector, particularly in hospitals. The amendments were made in response to the high level of interest in the support programme.
The approved changes provide for the reallocation of EUR 8.6 million from other EU fund measures, increasing total funding for the attraction of medical personnel to EUR 15.3 million. The additional funding will make it possible to cover compensation for applications already submitted and to ensure the implementation of the programme throughout the 2021–2027 EU planning period. At the same time, the target outcome has been substantially increased – it is planned that by the end of 2029, 1,049 medical practitioners will have received support, compared to the 458 originally planned.
To ensure a more targeted approach, several conditions have also been clarified, including the introduction of a new eligibility assessment date for new applicants – employment in the state-funded healthcare services sector as of 1 January 2026 – as well as a stricter procedure in cases of changing institutions. Compensation is granted on the condition that the medical practitioner works for three years in a healthcare institution providing state-funded healthcare services.
The mobilisation of EU funding is one of the instruments within a broader human resources policy framework. The Health Workforce Development Strategy 2025–2029 предусматриes a comprehensive approach – from residency and training planning to improving the working environment and remuneration. Attracting human resources to healthcare is a challenge across Europe, and in Latvia it is further exacerbated by the concentration of specialists in Riga. Therefore, the available EU funding for attracting and retaining medical practitioners in the public sector is an important instrument for strengthening hospitals and family doctor practices in the regions.
Currently, approximately 15,700 medical and medical support professionals provide state-funded healthcare services.
Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, compensation may be received by a certified physician, certified dentist, certified physiotherapist, certified occupational therapist, certified audiologopedist (speech and language therapist), certified art therapist, nurse, certified physician assistant, certified midwife, certified dental hygienist, dental assistant, nurse assistant, as well as a family doctor of retirement age who transfers their practice to a new physician. The specialities have been determined based on vacancies in healthcare institutions.
Information on the conditions and procedures for granting compensation is available on the project website:
Compensations | Talakizglitiba.lv
Amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 460 of 15 August 2023 “Implementation Rules of Measure 4.1.2.5 ‘Attracting and Retaining Medical Practitioners for Work in the State-Funded Healthcare Services Sector, Particularly in Inpatient Care’ under Specific Objective 4.1.2 ‘Improve Equal and Timely Access to Quality, Sustainable and Cost-Effective Healthcare, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Services by Enhancing the Efficiency and Resilience of the Healthcare System’ of the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027.”
