The structure of Latvia’s health care system has changed several times since independence in 1991. In 1993 there was a merger between the Ministries of Health, Labour and Social Welfare, into a new Ministry of Welfare. In 1994 sickness funds were re-established, though these were not funded from insurance contributions. Then in 1998 the State Compulsory Health Insurance Agency was created. Most responsibilities for delivering primary and secondary health care rest with local government; specialised services remain the responsibility of the state. In 1998 however there were concerns among Latvian oncologists that their work might fall outside of the state budget and be allocated to the responsibility of the sickness funds.
Source: WHO Regional Office for European Health for All database and HiTs
