Foto: BB.LV / Аптекарь и покупатель
The reform of drug prices came into effect almost two years ago. According to the Ministry of Health, as a result of its implementation, the cost of packages of the 200 most popular medicines decreased on average by 17%. However, shortly after the new rules were introduced, it became clear that drugs in the cheapest price category, on the contrary, became more expensive. Starting from July 1, 2026, the authorities promised to further reduce residents' expenses on prescription medications. According to the new rules, buyers of prescription drugs costing no more than 10 euros per package no longer have to pay the pharmacist an additional fee of 75 cents. These costs have been taken on by the state, allocating nine million euros from the budget. However, a resident of Latvia named Inta shared on Facebook about an unpleasant surprise she encountered during a recent visit to the pharmacy. “SHOCK AT THE PHARMACY: How do vital medications for patients silently and without warning become more expensive?” the woman expresses her outrage. According to her, this concerns the drug Anaprilin 40 mg (50 tablets), which people take daily to control blood pressure and regulate heart rhythm.  “Just recently, such a package cost about 4.50–5 euros in pharmacies. But now, upon arriving at the pharmacy, you find that the price has more than doubled — to 11.98 euros for the same package!” Inta writes. The woman claims that data from the State Agency of Medicines confirms the official assertion of such a price increase. “How is this possible? For people who need to take these medications daily and constantly, this is a huge financial blow. Where did the promises to lower drug prices and make them more accessible go? Why should chronic patients experience such a price shock when every euro counts?” Inta questions. With her post, she decided to warn other residents of Latvia who may face similar price increases for the medications they need.
