Minister presented his views on the vaccination programme, which is currently being updated and finalised for immediate release to government institutions and the public. New programme will provide a clear framework where all stakeholders representing institutions and professionals responsible for immunisation, including healthcare providers and other agencies, are working together under the same leadership. It will enable Latvia reach maximum weekly vaccination rate. It will define a clear procedure for gradual vaccination and create a notification system to inform individuals of the date and place of their vaccination. As minister said, national campaign urging everyone to undergo immunisation will be launched soon.
President of Latvia underlined that immunisation is top priority for Latvia right now, as we are looking for ways of overcoming the pandemic as quickly as possible. This should be reflected in decisions and actions of government. All available resources need to be utilised to achieve that.
President Levits and Minister Pavļuts both agreed that voluntary mass vaccination must start as quickly as possible: vaccination procedures need to be as efficient as possible and Latvia should aim for highest weekly immunisation rate attainable.
President and newly-appointed Health Minister Pavļuts also discussed other on-going and envisaged healthcare system reforms (medical staff pay scale review, hospital typology and other priorities) and the overall political climate in the country.
President pointed out that previous political and public governance experience of Daniels Pavļuts is sufficient for becoming a good health minister. He thanked the incoming minister for accepting the tough challenge and clear vision on immediate steps that need to be taken, wishing Mr Pavļuts good luck in meeting the expectation of the public while working in the new position.
