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PM Valdis Dombrovskis presents a gift to the President Valdis Zatlers. Riga, 30.12.2010.

Zatlers admitted that he might be biased when discussing this issue, because he has spent all his life working in health care, informs LETA.

It must be taken into account that it is often young people who suffer injuries that may affect their entire lives, said Zatlers, adding that a traumatologist is not a plumber who can just collect his tools and head for the next apartment.

The health care reforms should have been discussed with professionals, and several serious problems have already been caused by not taking into account their opinion. The reforms which will be carried out in next half year should be carried out over a period of at least two years, pointed out Zatlers.

Dombrovskis said that reforms must be evaluated and corrected if necessary.

As reported, the order of financing of first-aid stations will change next year, there will be less funding for first aid stations that treat less than 3500 patients per year, and their working time schedules will also be changed, according to amendments approved by the government.

Traumatology and Orthopedic Hospital will no longer offer emergency medical services from July 1 next year, according to amendments that the government approved yesterday.