Latvia approves reserves of critical medicines for emergencies

Latvia’s government has approved rules for creating and distributing reserves of critical medicines if a threat to the state or society severely disrupts supply, LSM reports.

The Health Ministry will receive three million euros a year from the Defence Ministry’s budget from 2026 to 2028 to establish and maintain the reserves.

The new outpatient medicine reserves will form part of a wider system that includes state material reserves for emergencies, such as medicines for emergency and first aid. Healthcare providers are responsible for holding medicines needed for their work, while residents are advised to keep a month’s supply of medicines they use regularly at home.

The reserves are intended to ensure people can obtain essential medicines during a crisis, particularly those with chronic illnesses who rely on regular treatment. The rules provide for activating the reserves and organising regional deliveries according to actual needs.

A list of critical medicines and supply procedures was developed with healthcare, pharmacy, medicine supply and security experts. The list includes medicines for 20 diseases. Any exceptions to standard medicine distribution requirements will be allowed only in special circumstances and to the extent necessary.

The National Health Service, the State Operational Medical Commission and medicine wholesalers will take part in managing the reserves. The rules set out the responsibilities of each party.