AGP Executive Report

Pharma Supply Security (Latvia): AS Recipe Plus is building a new medicine logistics centre in Rīga, investing EUR 20 million to boost automation, accuracy and delivery capacity; topping-out is done and completion is planned for spring 2027, aiming to strengthen medicine availability during crises. Public Health (UK): England says it’s on track to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat after treating 100,000+ people since 2015, with antiviral tablets curing over 95% of cases; testing drives include GP registration checks and free home kits. Tobacco & Nicotine Policy (Estonia): Estonia’s economy minister rejected proposed limits on nicotine pouches/strips/sprays for youth, arguing the plan isn’t sufficiently justified or proportionate for businesses. Health Access & Care (Latvia/Ukraine): LSM and Ziedot.lv launch a charity campaign to fund medical and psychological rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian service members, with support planned across the Baltic Sea. Mental Health & Rights (Latvia): Anda Lāce’s exhibition at TUR explores intimacy, consent and stigma in psychiatric institutions, linking the theme to the history of ambulance care. Health Risks (Global): A large international study finds awareness of smoking’s heart risks and second-hand harms has barely improved over two decades, despite tobacco-control efforts. Health & Safety (Latvia): Customs at Rīga Airport show rising illegal imports, including medicines with banned substances like eszopiclone.

Pharma Supply Security: Latvian wholesaler AS Recipe Plus is building a new EUR 20m medicine and medical supplies distribution centre in Rīga, topping-out now and targeting completion in spring 2027, with automation and robotisation to boost accuracy, speed and resilience during crises. Health Infrastructure & Care Access: Rīga Eastern Hospital received another group of wounded Ukrainian soldiers via “hospitals on wheels”, continuing a steady rehabilitation flow that has topped 1,000 treated over four years. Public Health Testing: England reports major progress toward eliminating hepatitis C, with 100,000+ people diagnosed and treated since 2015 and a cure rate above 95% using 8–12 week antiviral tablets, supported by expanded testing including home kits. Tobacco Harm Awareness: A large international study finds awareness of smoking’s heart risks and second-hand smoke harms has barely improved over two decades, despite tobacco-control efforts. Local Health Policy: Estonia’s court ordered the Health Board to keep monitoring wind farm noise in Saarde, ruling that developer-paid studies weren’t independent enough to assess potential health impacts. Substance Control at Borders: Riga Airport customs checks show rising offences, including illegal import attempts of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs—and banned sleeping pills from Egypt and Turkey. Mental Health & Human Rights: TUR’s upcoming exhibition “Making Love is Forbidden in the Psychiatric Hospital” spotlights intimacy, consent and stigma in closed institutions, linking “fast help” and “slow help” in care. Nicotine Regulation Debate: Estonia’s economy minister declined a draft bill to restrict nicotine product strength for youth, citing insufficient justification and potential impacts on businesses. Latvia-Ukraine Support: A new charity campaign will fund comprehensive medical and psychological rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian service members in Latvia.

Pharma Supply Security: Latvian wholesaler AS Recipe Plus is building a new EUR 20m medicine distribution centre in Riga, topping out now and targeting completion in spring 2027, with automation and robotisation to boost accuracy, speed and resilience of medicine deliveries across Latvia. Hospital Rehabilitation Support: LSM and Ziedot.lv are launching the charity campaign “United with Ukraine in Thought and Action!” to fund medical and psychological rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian service members, with care planned on both sides of the Baltic Sea. Care Access & Capacity: Riga East Hospital received another group of wounded Ukrainian soldiers via “hospitals on wheels,” with medical triage and follow-up surgery or rehabilitation. Public Health Policy: Estonia’s economy minister rejected proposed limits on nicotine products for young people, arguing the plan’s impact on sellers/importers isn’t justified enough. Health Awareness: A large international study finds awareness that smoking harms the heart and causes strokes has barely improved over two decades, despite lung-cancer knowledge. Preventive Screening: Guidance highlights that prostate health checks matter after age 50, since early prostate cancer can be symptom-free. Testing & Treatment Progress: England reports major progress toward eliminating hepatitis C, with over 100,000 people treated since 2015 and cure rates above 95% with antiviral tablets.

Pharma Supply Security (Latvia): AS “Recipe Plus” is investing EUR 20 million in a new Riga pharmaceutical and medical supplies distribution centre, aiming to boost medicine availability and resilience; construction has reached the topping-out stage with completion planned for spring 2027, and EUR 6+ million is earmarked for automation and robotisation. Hospital & Rehab (Latvia/Ukraine): Riga East Hospital received another group of wounded Ukrainian defenders via “hospitals on wheels,” with medical staff triaging for surgery or rehabilitation; over four years, the hospital has treated more than 1,000 soldiers. Public Health (Latvia/Region): A Latvian public initiative on ManaBalss.lv calls to scrap MPs’ transport and rent allowances, arguing healthcare and social care workers face similar commuting and housing costs without state compensation. Tobacco & Nicotine Policy (Estonia): Estonia’s economy minister rejected proposed limits on nicotine pouches/strips/sprays for youth, saying the plan may be disproportionate and insufficiently justified. Health Awareness (Global): A large international study finds awareness of smoking’s cardiovascular harms has barely improved over two decades, despite tobacco-control efforts. Airspace Safety (Latvia): NATO jets scrambled to shoot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace, with Latvia’s Defence Ministry linking the incident to Russian electronic warfare.

Pharma Supply Security: AS Recipe Plus is investing EUR 20 million in a new Riga pharmaceutical and medical supplies distribution centre, reaching topping-out status and aiming to finish in spring 2027; the 13,800 sq m site will add automation and robotisation, boost delivery capacity and improve medicine availability during crises. Public Health & Screening: A new health explainer urges men over 50 to discuss prostate checks with their GP, noting prostate cancer can develop quietly and risk rises gradually with age. Tobacco Awareness: An international study finds smokers’ knowledge about smoking’s heart risks and second-hand smoke harms has barely improved over two decades, despite tobacco-control efforts. Latvia Health System Support: Another group of wounded Ukrainian defenders has arrived at Riga East Hospital for exams, surgery decisions and rehabilitation, with the hospital reporting care for more than 1,000 wounded soldiers over four years. Healthcare Access & Costs: Eurostat data show Latvia’s overall household price level is still below the EU average, but essentials like food, clothing and alcohol/tobacco are costing more than the EU norm. Policy Watch: Estonia’s economy minister rejected proposed nicotine restrictions aimed at youth, saying the plan’s justification and impact assessment were not strong enough. Health Logistics in the Region: A medicine logistics centre is being built in Riga, highlighting continued investment in the supply chain.

Air Safety & Health Security: NATO jets scrambled to shoot down a drone that crossed into Latvian airspace near the Russian border, with Latvia’s Defence Ministry warning such incidents may recur as Russia’s aggression continues. Public Health & Care for Veterans: LSM and Ziedot.lv launch a charity drive to fund comprehensive rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian defenders, including medical and psychological support after front-line injuries. Hospital Updates: Riga East Hospital received another group of 27 wounded Ukrainian soldiers via “hospitals on wheels,” with staff triaging for surgery and rehabilitation. Health Policy & Prevention: Latvia will move the second dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine to age four (from seven) to curb spread after this year’s measles outbreak; catch-up vaccination is planned for children who missed the second dose. Substance Control: Estonia’s economy minister rejected proposed nicotine restrictions aimed at protecting young people, citing weak justification and potential impacts on sellers and importers. Health Risks at Borders: Riga Airport customs checks show rising offences, including more attempts to smuggle medicines such as banned sleeping pills from Egypt and Turkey. Rehabilitation & Access: A new petition urges scrapping MPs’ transport and rent allowances, arguing healthcare and social care workers already cover commuting and housing costs themselves. Clinical Progress Abroad (Relevant Benchmark): England reports major progress toward eliminating hepatitis C, with over 100,000 people diagnosed and treated since 2015 and cure rates above 95%. Legal Oversight in Health Impacts: Estonia’s court ordered the Health Board to continue independent wind farm noise monitoring, criticizing reliance on developer-paid studies when assessing potential health effects.

Customs & Health Risks: Riga Airport customs breaches are up, with more cases involving illegal import of medicines—especially banned sleeping pills containing eszopiclone—alongside rising cigarette, alcohol and drug smuggling attempts. Public Health Policy: Latvia is moving the second dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to age four (from seven) to curb measles spread after this year’s outbreak. Healthcare Support for Ukraine: A new Latvia-based charity campaign will fund comprehensive medical and psychological rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian service members, with treatment planned across the Baltic region. Child Health & Regulation: Estonia’s economy minister rejected proposed nicotine restrictions aimed at protecting young people, arguing the draft’s impact on sellers/importers isn’t justified enough. Infectious Disease Progress (UK): England reports major hepatitis C progress: over 100,000 people diagnosed and treated since 2015, with antiviral tablets curing more than 95% and deaths down 36%. Hospital Care (Ukraine): Riga East Hospital received another group of wounded Ukrainian soldiers for exams, surgery decisions and rehabilitation, continuing a long-running “hospitals on wheels” flow. Cost of Living & Wellness: Eurostat shows Latvia is no longer among the cheapest EU countries for key essentials like food, clothing and alcohol/tobacco, even as healthcare and other services remain cheaper than the EU average.

Hepatitis C Elimination Push (UK): England says it’s on track to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat after more than 100,000 people were diagnosed and treated since 2015, with antiviral tablets curing over 95% of cases; NHS England credits expanded testing (including A&E blood tests, GP registration checks and free home kits) and notes deaths linked to the virus have fallen 36% over the past decade. Measles Vaccine Schedule (Latvia): Latvia is moving the second dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine to age four (from seven) to reduce outbreak risk after this year’s measles cases, with a catch-up plan during the transition. Access to Night-Time Medicines (Latvia): Daugavpils has lost its last 24-hour pharmacy, leaving Latgale without round-the-clock medicine access and forcing residents to travel to Riga for urgent overnight purchases. Wind Farm Noise Oversight (Estonia): Estonia’s court ordered the state health authority to continue independent wind-farm noise monitoring, rejecting reliance on studies commissioned by the developer. Mental Health Literacy (Estonia): Researchers argue mental health education should cover everyday well-being factors (like sleep, activity, relationships and belonging), not only recognizing disorders and seeking help.

Hepatitis C Elimination Push (UK): NHS figures say England has diagnosed and treated over 100,000 people for hepatitis C since 2015, using free 8–12 week antiviral tablets that cure more than 95%—and health officials are urging higher-risk groups, including adults born in Latvia and other Eastern European countries, to use free home testing. Measles Vaccine Schedule Update (Latvia): Latvia will move the second dose of the MMR vaccine to age 4 (from 7), with a catch-up plan for children aged 5–7, after this year’s measles outbreak and cases among unvaccinated children. Access to Night-Time Pharmacy Care (Latgale): Daugavpils has lost its last 24-hour pharmacy, leaving no 24-hour options across Latgale and pushing residents to Riga for urgent medicines. Civilian Harm in Ukraine (UN, Latvia-led meeting): The UN estimates 16,000+ Ukrainian civilians remain detained by Russia, with reports of widespread torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence, and notes families often have no contact. airBaltic Restructuring (Latvia): airBaltic unveiled a financial recovery plan including cutting its A220 fleet by about one-third and seeking €225m in emergency financing, while saying current bookings won’t be affected. First Hospice Day Center Step (Latvia): Latvia is set to pilot a hospice day center initiative that could later be rolled out more widely.

Hepatitis C Elimination Push (UK): NHS England says England is “on the cusp” of eliminating hepatitis C, citing over 100,000 people diagnosed and treated since 2015 with free 8–12 week antiviral tablets that cure more than 95% of cases, plus expanded testing (including A&E blood tests and free at-home kits) to find undiagnosed infections. Measles Vaccine Schedule (Latvia): Latvia will move the second MMR dose earlier to age four (from seven) as measles risk rises in Europe and Latvia recorded 49 cases by mid-April, with none of the sick children vaccinated. Access to Night Pharmacy Care (Latgale): Daugavpils has lost its last 24-hour pharmacy, reducing late-night medicine access across Latgale and leaving the nearest options in Riga. Mental Health Literacy (Estonia): A review involving Estonian researchers argues mental health literacy should cover everyday well-being—sleep, activity, safe relationships and when to seek help—not just recognizing disorders. Health in Conflict (UN/Ukraine): UN estimates say more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians detained by Russia remain deprived of liberty, with widespread torture/ill-treatment and inadequate medical services reported. Aging & Wellness via Sport (Global): World Masters Athletics in Daegu expects 7,476 athletes from 106 countries, highlighting lifelong activity as a wellness model.

Measles Vaccination Update (Latvia): Latvia is moving the second dose of the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to age 4 (from 7), with a transition catch-up for children who missed it, as measles risk rises after cases this year—none of the ill children had been vaccinated. Access to Medicines (Latgale): Daugavpils has lost its last 24-hour pharmacy, cutting night access across Latgale; residents now must travel to Riga for round-the-clock options. Hepatitis C Push (UK, relevant for Latvia’s public health): England says it’s “on the cusp” of eliminating hepatitis C, citing large-scale NHS antiviral treatment and expanded testing, including free at-home kits for people at higher risk. Mental Health Literacy (Baltics): Researchers argue mental health education should cover everyday well-being factors (sleep, activity, belonging, safe relationships), not only recognizing disorders and seeking help. Health & Pharma (Global): Arbutus has started patent enforcement actions against Pfizer/BioNTech and received a first $178M payment tied to a Moderna settlement. War & Human Rights (Latvia-led UN focus): UN estimates claim over 16,000 Ukrainian civilians detained by Russia remain held, with reports of widespread torture and sexual violence. Aviation & Health (Latvia link): An aircraft possibly carrying released US citizen Robert Gilman has left Russia, with flight tracking tied to EU airspace. Workplace Well-being (Latvia): A Latvia survey finds many employees feel employers don’t treat the workplace as an investment, despite links between environment quality, productivity, and retention.

Pharmacy Access in Latgale: Daugavpils has lost its last 24-hour pharmacy, cutting night-time medicine access across Latgale; the nearest options are in Riga, about a three-hour trip away, as pharmacists warn 24/7 service is becoming unprofitable and the Ministry of Health offers no clear fix. Palliative Care in Latvia: Latvia’s first hospice day center for palliative care is being hailed as a success, with hopes for a wider rollout after earlier parliamentary rejection of assisted dying. End-of-Life Policy Debate: The hospice progress comes alongside renewed European discussion on assisted dying laws, keeping Latvia’s focus on improving state-funded end-of-life care. Public Health Screening Success (UK): England says it is “on the cusp” of eliminating hepatitis C, citing NHS efforts like A&E blood tests, GP registration testing, and free home kits; over 100,000 people have been diagnosed and treated since 2015, with deaths down 36% over a decade. Health System Admin Reform (Latvia): Latvia’s Bureaucracy Reduction Action Group has added a new batch of proposals, including 25 aimed at reducing administrative burden in health and other areas, now headed for government review. Asbestos Safety Reminder (Latvia): Authorities stress asbestos-containing roofing must be handled by professionals and never crushed or dumped, with proper packaging and disposal rules to prevent carcinogen exposure. Workplace Wellbeing (Latvia): A Latvia survey finds many employees feel the workplace affects productivity and retention, but only 39% think employers treat it as an investment—highlighting a gap in how health and comfort are managed at work.

Palliative Care Breakthrough: Latvia’s first hospice day center for palliative care is being hailed as a success, with hopes it can be rolled out nationally after earlier debate over assisted dying. AI in Healthcare & Education: Latvia’s Artificial Intelligence Centre says it has set rules for two AI systems being developed and tested in a controlled environment—targeting preschoolers and people with type 1 diabetes, with oversight from competent authorities. Health System & Workplace Focus: A Latvia-wide survey finds many people feel the workplace affects productivity and loyalty, but only 39% believe employers treat it as an investment—highlighting a gap in how health and wellbeing at work are managed. Public Health & Policy: Latvia’s anti-bureaucracy push includes a new batch of proposals, including 25 aimed at reducing administrative burden in health and other areas. Cancer/Diabetes Funding Call: Latvia’s health community is also pushing for urgent additional funding for cancer and diabetes patients. Asbestos Safety Reminder: Latvia is warning residents not to mishandle asbestos-containing roofing during home repairs, stressing professional removal and proper packaging. Mobilization Training (First Aid Angle): Latvia will test crisis mobilization procedures with reservists training in person, including advanced first aid—relevant for emergency readiness.

Palliative Care Push in Latvia: Latvia’s first hospice day center for palliative care is being hailed as a success, with hopes it can be rolled out nationally, after lawmakers previously rejected assisted dying and attention shifted to improving end-of-life support. Cancer & Diabetes Funding Pressure: President Edgars Rinkevics urged the Ministry of Health to secure additional funding for cancer treatment and diabetes care, as the ministry outlines priorities for the 2027 budget, including access to medicines, pediatric dental care, regional specialist availability, and faster digital solutions to cut waiting times. AI in Healthcare & Early Education: Latvia’s Artificial Intelligence Centre says it has set rules for testing two high-risk AI systems in a controlled environment, including projects involving preschoolers and people with type 1 diabetes. Workplace Well-Being at Stake: A survey finds many Latvians feel the workplace affects productivity and loyalty, but only 39% think employers treat it as an investment—highlighting a gap between well-being and business results. Asbestos Safety Reminder: Latvia is warning residents not to DIY asbestos roof repairs; asbestos-containing slate must be handled by professionals and disposed of properly to avoid serious health risks. Public Health Context: New reporting notes alcohol dependence remains a major health burden in Europe, with France seeing over 40,000 alcohol-related deaths annually.

Palliative Care Breakthrough in Latvia: Latvia’s first hospice day center for palliative care is being hailed as a success, with hopes it can be rolled out nationally after lawmakers rejected assisted dying in 2021. Cancer & Diabetes Funding Push: President Edgars Rinkevics urged the Ministry of Health to secure more money for cancer treatment and diabetes care, discussing 2027 budget needs, medication access, pediatric dental care, and ways to reduce waiting times. AI in Healthcare & Preschool: Latvia’s Artificial Intelligence Centre says it has set rules for two AI systems in a controlled environment—one for preschool learning and another for people with type 1 diabetes—aiming for compliance from the start. Asbestos Safety Warning: Latvia is still dealing with widespread asbestos-containing roofing; officials stress it must be handled by professionals, packaged properly, and never crushed or dumped. Health System Readiness: Latvia is set to test crisis mobilization via reservist training, including advanced first aid—linking emergency preparedness with healthcare capability. Workplace Wellbeing Survey: A Latvia-focused survey finds many people feel the workplace affects productivity and loyalty, but fewer believe employers treat it as an investment. Bureaucracy Reduction in Health: Latvia’s BRAG has delivered a fourth set of proposals, including 25 aimed at cutting administrative burden in health and public administration. Blood Donors Urged: Latvia is calling on people to come forward to donate blood. Regional Medical Cooperation: A joint Baltic medical team is heading to Ukraine for training to strengthen war-injury care and emergency procedures.

Palliative Care Push in Latvia: Latvia’s first hospice day center for palliative care is being hailed as a success, with hopes it can be rolled out nationally, after earlier attempts to introduce assisted dying failed in parliament. Cancer & Diabetes Funding Pressure: President Edgars Rinkevics urged the Health Ministry to secure more money for cancer treatment and diabetes care, discussing 2027 budget needs, medication access, pediatric dental care, and steps to cut waiting times. AI for Kids and Diabetes: Latvia’s Artificial Intelligence Centre says it has adopted rules for testing two AI systems in a controlled, supervised environment—covering preschool education and type 1 diabetes—aiming for compliance before any wider use. Workplace Wellbeing Survey: A Latvia-focused survey finds many people feel the workplace affects productivity and loyalty, but only 39% think employers treat it as an investment. Asbestos Roofing Safety: Latvia is still dealing with widespread asbestos-containing roofing; officials warn residents not to crush or DIY-removal it and stress professional handling and proper packaging. Health System Readiness Training: A first joint Baltic medical team is heading to Ukraine for training on war injuries, mass-casualty care, evacuations, and hospital emergency response. Mobilization Includes First Aid Skills: Latvia will practice crisis mobilization with reservists training in Alūksne, including advanced first aid—relevant for emergency medical preparedness.