Concluding the infrastructure improvement and modernization of the hospital's technical equipment, which were implemented thanks to the financing of the European Union (EU) Recovery Fund, a ceremonial opening event was held at the Children's Hospital on August 19.
During the event, several infrastructure facilities important for improving the quality of treatment and care were opened - six modernized operating rooms of the Surgery Block and the renovated historical building, where the newly established Neuropsychiatric Development Center has started operating. In developing simulation-based training, a new Simulation Training Center room was also created and equipped. Information technologies and medical equipment were also purchased, which improve the treatment process and patient safety, as well as ensure the continuity of the hospital's operations.
“Every improved square meter, every modern technology is part of a modern and supportive environment for the treatment process – for the child, his family and the medical staff. I am particularly pleased with the creation of the Simulation Training Center premises – it is an investment in the knowledge and skills of doctors, which means safer and higher-quality treatment for children throughout Latvia. It is an investment in the development of Latvia and our future. It is precisely for such targeted investments aimed at better care and patient benefit that we must use the opportunities of European funds. This is how we invest in the people of Latvia and strengthen the security of both the state and society,” emphasized Minister of Health Hossam Abu Meri.
Infrastructure improvements are financially significant, and in recent years their implementation in Latvia has been possible thanks to funding provided by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, or Recovery Fund.
“We are investing not only in infrastructure and modern technical equipment at the Children’s Hospital – we are investing in higher-quality and safer healthcare. EU Recovery Fund funding provides an opportunity to implement work whose benefits will be felt not only today, but also in the long term. State and European Union funding should be used for precisely these purposes – so that it turns into real benefits for people. By investing in children’s health, the quality of medical care, patient safety and the professional growth of doctors, we are strengthening healthcare and creating better conditions for the future,” said Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis.
21 activities have been implemented within the framework of the project “Development of the Integrated Healthcare System of VSIA “Children’s Clinical University Hospital”” that have significantly improved the environment and capabilities of the Children’s Hospital.
“As this ambitious phase of the Recovery Fund’s investment in the Children’s Hospital comes to an end, we are seeing very concrete results of European investment. These investments have enabled the creation of a more modern and safer treatment environment, improved working conditions for healthcare professionals and, most importantly, better quality care for children. This is also the aim of the Recovery Fund: investments that serve society and strengthen the Latvian healthcare system in the long term,” stressed Andris Kužnieks, Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia.
“Today we are not only unveiling renovated premises and new equipment. We are unveiling new opportunities – for children to receive more timely and high-quality assistance, for families to feel safer, and for our specialists to work in an environment that meets the requirements of modern medicine. The new Neuropsychiatric Development Center will allow for coordinated care tailored to the needs of children in one place, the modernized Operating Room will strengthen the quality of treatment and patient safety, while the Simulation Training Center will help our medical teams constantly improve their skills. The development of the Children’s Hospital does not stop with the completion of the project – step by step we are creating a hospital where infrastructure, technologies and professional knowledge serve one goal – the best possible child health outcome. We would like to thank the European Union, the state of Latvia and all cooperation partners for their significant contribution to the health of Latvian children,” emphasized Valts Ābols, Chairman of the Board of the Children’s Hospital.
The infrastructure facilities were created and renovated within the framework of the EU Recovery Fund project “Development of the Integrated Healthcare System of VSIA “Children’s Clinical University Hospital”. The project was implemented from November 22, 2022 to June 30, 2026. Its total budget is EUR 40,958,808, of which EUR 33,860,399 is financed by the EU Recovery Fund.
The simulation training room was renovated and equipped within the framework of the EU Recovery Fund project “Simulation Technologies for the Development of Human Resource Skills in the BKUS”. The project was implemented from April 10, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Its total budget is EUR 550,444, of which EUR 452,321 is financed by the EU Recovery Fund.
Thanks to the EU Recovery Fund financing, the construction and equipping of the new building, which houses the Outpatient Health Center and the Emergency Medicine Center, was completed in autumn 2024. Pūču Square was opened in 2025. At the beginning of 2026, the renovation of two departments of the Great Department Building and the repair of chimneys were completed, and in the spring the renovated lobby and dining room area were opened, the rooms in the corridors of the Examination House were improved, and several offices were modernized.
New elevators were purchased and installed, an employee locker room area was built in the basement, and new outdoor activity areas were created – Taureņu laukums and Kaķīša laukums. The building where the Security Service is located was also renovated.
A significant part of the project is the development of the hospital's engineering network infrastructure, as well as the modernization of the information technology infrastructure and the renewal and addition of medical technology equipment.
