‘I have closely and carefully followed the situation and I can understand the reasons why Prime Minister decided to demand resignation of Health Minister.
I am confident that right now our healthcare system needs a leader who understands what Latvia needs and clearly sees health sector priorities both in terms of current crisis and long-term future. It must be an expert with vision and energy.
Next health minister should first focus on a clear vaccination programme: a plan based strictly on availability of vaccine for voluntary immunisation of majority of population in Latvia as soon as possible to restore the normal life as quickly as possible.
This plan should also put in place efficient coordination mechanisms allowing monitoring and delivery of specific tasks and responsibilities.
As I already mentioned to Minister Viņķele yesterday, adequate and publicly acceptable vaccination programme should clearly indicate how quickly in terms of days vaccine will reach the people once specific batch has been delivered.
We lost our leading position in Europe in terms of efficiency of efforts to contain COVID-19 this autumn. I believe that now we have a chance to put ourselves back in the lead by rolling out the most efficient immunisation plan.
Coalition led by Prime Minister should put Latvia’s needs first and sort this situation out immediately’.