After the Ombudsperson’s intervention, the state will begin funding life-saving cough assistance devices from October

Until recently, patients in Latvia living with spinal muscular atrophy and other severe neuromuscular disorders who rely on cough assist devices to support vital respiratory functions had no access to state-funded equipment due to gaps in the regulatory framework and a lack of action by responsible institutions. Following the Ombudsperson’s active intervention, state-funded cough assist devices for home use will be available to eligible patients from 1 October 2026.

“The State has a duty to provide real assistance when a person’s health and life are at risk, rather than merely planning solutions for the future. For this reason, I called on the responsible institutions to act immediately. The decision to ensure state-funded access to cough assist devices from 1 October is a significant step in protecting patients’ rights,” stated Ombudsperson Karina Palkova.

In Latvia, patients whose vital functions depend on a cough assist device had no access to state-funded support. Although several public institutions acknowledged the necessity of this medical device, none assumed responsibility for providing it, citing regulatory limitations and the division of institutional competencies. As a result, patients whose health and lives directly depend on access to this device were left without a practical solution.

Ombudsperson Karina Palkova called on the Ministry of Health and the National Health Service to urgently find a solution for patients who require cough assist devices to maintain vital functions. She emphasized that the State must not limit itself to identifying the problem or planning funding for the future when patients’ health and lives are already at risk today.

The Ministry of Health has informed the Ombudsperson that, as of 1 October 2026, it will introduce a new state-funded healthcare service: the rental of cough assist devices. The service will be available at patients’ homes for individuals receiving long-term mechanical ventilation.