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"We have to pay much more attention to remuneration of healthcare employees," said Berzins.

The president also said that the average age of physicians in rural areas was a matter of concern, and that Estonia's experience should be taken into consideration. Healthcare workers in Estonia are paid much higher wages than in Latvia, nevertheless, best of them nevertheless choose to leave the country.

"We must pay much more attention to this, and invest much more money, but the healthcare system is the basis of all of this," said the president. Swift action is needed, because the Health Ministry's current plans will take too long to save the system from falling apart.

Dombrovskis stressed that funding for healthcare was a government priority. The question how fast the funding for healthcare will increase depends on how the state budget is structured during the next three years.

No decision has been made yet on amending this year's budget so more funds could be allotted to healthcare. This would be too soon, given that the development of the overall budget situation this year and budget deficit reduction are not yet entirely clear, and there may also be other ministries' demands for extra budget funds, said Dombrovskis.