Latvian parliament allows pharmacies and hospitals to buy medicines abroad

Hospitals and pharmacies in Latvia will be able to buy medicines directly from manufacturers and distributors in other European Union or European Economic Area countries in exceptional cases, under amendments adopted by parliament on Thursday. LSM reported that the change applies when the medicines are not available in Latvia in the required quantity or within the required timeframe.

The amendments to the Pharmaceutical Law were adopted in their final reading by the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament. Previously, general pharmacies and closed-type pharmacies at inpatient medical institutions could not buy medicines directly from suppliers in other EU or EEA countries. Hospitals had to obtain them from Latvian wholesale pharmacies.

The changes also allow unregistered medicines to be imported with the required authorisation and clarify rules for direct deliveries from other EU countries. The Health Ministry, whose officials drafted the bill, said the aim is to give patients timely access to necessary medicines, particularly during supply disruptions or shortages, and to support continuity of treatment.

In certain circumstances, pharmacists will also be allowed to dispense prescription medicines without a prescription to prevent a health risk and maintain treatment. This will apply when a patient cannot urgently reach a healthcare professional or obtain a prescription, including because of problems with the health information system. Pharmacists may dispense only the minimum quantity permitted by law.

The Cabinet of Ministers is to establish the procedure and criteria for dispensing medicines without a prescription by June 30, 2027.