Latvian Parliament approves new health minister

Anda Caksa, head of Latvian Children's Clinical University Hospital, became the country's new health minister as lawmakers approved her appointment at their last session before summer recess on Thursday, local media reported.

Caksa's appointment to the ministerial position was approved by 78 votes to three, and four abstentions.

Addressing the parliament, Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis said that so far efforts to deal with problems in the Latvian health sector had been unsuccessful as the crisis there had been unfolding too quickly, and that it was therefore necessary to put aside doubts and go ahead with comprehensive reforms, including unpopular measures.

Caksa has all the necessary qualities to take over the reform work, the prime minister said, stressing that the reforms cannot be delayed.

Outlining her plans, Caksa underlined the necessity to agree on an efficient health care financing system. She also promised to focus on the treatment of cancer patients, prenatal care, emergency medical services, medics' wages and the institution of family physicians.

The new health minister also noted the need to improve healthcare-related legislation and to seek solutions to problems in talks with representatives of the health sector.

Latvia's Green Party, a member of the ruling Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS), nominated Caksa for health minister last week after Guntis Belevics stood down as health minister amid media reports that he skipped the waiting line to get minor surgery at a state hospital and did not even pay for the service. Endit