The population of Latvia is 1.9 million. There are two medical universities: (1) Stradins University, an independent institution that has been operating since 1950, with roots dating back to 1919; and (2) the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Latvia, established in 2024. The largest hospitals are located in the capital, Riga, although other cities also have significant general hospitals.
The Latvian language is similar to Lithuanian, and most doctors are proficient in English and Russian.
The state health fund addresses the primary healthcare needs of patients. Large hospitals are state-run, and they acquire medical devices through public tenders held once every one to two years, with no specific "tender season."
Local registration of medical devices is not required, only notification. CE marking is mandatory for products import from non-EU countries and during the tender process.