Latvian Doctors Defy Finnish Ban to Continue Patient Care Abroad Amid Regulatory Controversy

October 29, 2025

Riga, Latvia – A collaborative investigation by 50 media outlets worldwide has uncovered a concerning trend: Doctors who have faced disciplinary action, including the revocation of their licenses, in one European union country are continuing to practice medicine in Latvia. The findings raise critical questions about patient safety and the effectiveness of international safeguards within the medical community.

Latvian Doctors With Troubled Pasts

Two specific cases have come to light.Tatjana Ribakova, a General Practitioner currently practicing in Liepāja, had her medical license revoked in Finland in 2016 after a supervisor determined her practices posed a risk to patient well-being. Similarly, Ruta Leikuma, an infectiologist and internist, is employed at the Balvi and Gulbene Hospital Association, despite also being prohibited from practicing in Finland.

Both doctors maintain their belief that a ban in one EU country shouldn’t impede their ability to practice elsewhere. However, the details surrounding their cases in Finland paint a different picture.

Questionable Practices in Finland

According to documents from the Finnish National Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira), Ribakova engaged in several practices deemed unsafe and inadequate. These included performing a gynecological examination without proper training, attempting to use adult gynecological equipment on a child, misdiagnosing pneumonia, and failing to identify a potentially sight-threatening eye condition. Valvira concluded her “professional skills are not at a sufficient level” to practice safely.

Leikuma’s case revealed serious deficiencies in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. She scored exceptionally low on medical examinations, failing to recognize conditions like acute leukemia. Clinical assessments also demonstrated an incomplete understanding of patient cases and a potential to prescribe hazardous treatments, such as an incorrect insulin dosage.

notably,leikuma’s Finnish language skills were also a contributing factor,as she frequently relied on translation programs and struggled to understand questions posed by colleagues.

Systemic Failures in Data Sharing

The investigation revealed significant shortcomings in the system for sharing information about disciplined doctors across EU member states. The European Commission’s Internal Market Information System (IMI) was designed to facilitate this exchange, but Latvia lacked consistent access to the data for several years. The Latvian Medical Association (LĀB) only gained full access to the IMI database in 2021.

Prior to 2021, the Academic Information Center held the data but did not automatically share it with the LĀB due to “no such possibility in the system.” This gap in communication meant that Latvian authorities were unaware of the disciplinary actions taken against these doctors for a period of five years.

Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri has pledged to address these issues, promising to investigate the matter and urge the LĀB to review the knowledge of the two doctors in question. He also stated his intention to advocate for improvements to the IMI system at the European level.

A Comparative Overview

doctor Name	Country of Initial Restriction	Reason for restriction	Current Practice Location
Tatjana Ribakova	Finland	Unsafe Practices, Insufficient Skills	Liepāja, Latvia
Ruta leikuma	Finland	poor Clinical Knowledge, Language Barriers	Balvi and Gulbene hospital Association, Latvia

Did You Know? Approximately 100 cases of doctors sanctioned in one country and then practicing in another have been identified through this investigation, but this is likely just the beginning given the incomplete data.

Pro Tip: Patients concerned about their doctor’s credentials can contact the Latvian Medical Association for verification, though it’s important to be aware of the limitations of current data-sharing systems.

The Importance of International Medical Credential verification

The case highlights the ever-increasing importance of robust international verification systems for medical professionals. As healthcare becomes increasingly globalized,the potential for doctors with questionable records to seek practice opportunities in other countries grows. Strengthening data sharing protocols, improving access to information, and conducting more thorough background checks are all critical steps to ensuring patient safety.

Recent reports from the World Health Institution emphasize the ongoing global shortage of healthcare workers, which could create incentives for practitioners facing sanctions to seek employment in regions with greater need. addressing this issue requires a coordinated, international approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the IMI system? The Internal market Information System (IMI) is a platform used by EU countries to exchange information, including details on doctors who have been restricted from practicing medicine.
• Why wasn’t this information readily available in Latvia? Latvia only gained full access to the IMI database in 2021, leaving a five-year gap where critical information about sanctioned doctors was unavailable.
• What is being done to address this issue? The Latvian Health Minister has pledged to investigate and advocate for improvements to the IMI system.
• How can patients verify their doctor’s credentials in Latvia? Patients can contact the Latvian Medical Association, but the effectiveness is limited by current data-sharing capabilities.
• Is this a widespread problem? Investigations suggest that this is not an isolated event,with over 100 cases identified across Europe.

What steps should be taken to improve international medical credential verification? Do you think current safeguards are adequate to protect patients? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What legal arguments are Latvian doctors using to justify continuing care for Finnish patients despite the new regulations?

The Core of the Dispute: Cross-Border Healthcare & Finnish Regulations

The ongoing situation involving latvian doctors providing healthcare services to Finnish patients has escalated into a notable regulatory controversy. Finland, facing substantial wait times for certain medical procedures – notably surgeries – has seen a growing number of its citizens seeking treatment in neighboring countries like Latvia.This demand fueled a surge in Latvian medical tourism, offering quicker access to care, specifically in areas like orthopedics, ophthalmology, and cardiology. However, Finnish authorities recently implemented stricter regulations, effectively attempting to curtail this cross-border healthcare flow. These regulations center around requirements for Finnish social insurance numbers for reimbursement, creating barriers for patients accessing care abroad and, consequently, impacting Latvian medical providers.

Why Latvian Doctors Are Pushing Back

Latvian doctors and clinics aren’t simply accepting the new restrictions. They argue the Finnish regulations are a violation of EU principles regarding the free movement of services and patients’ rights to choose their healthcare provider. Several Latvian medical facilities have publicly stated their intention to continue serving Finnish patients,even without guaranteed reimbursement through the Finnish social insurance system.

Here’s a breakdown of their key arguments:

* Patient Autonomy: Doctors emphasize the ethical obligation to provide care to those in need, regardless of bureaucratic hurdles.

* EU Law Compliance: They believe the Finnish regulations contravene the EU’s directives on cross-border healthcare, designed to facilitate access to medical treatment across member states.

* Economic Impact: The influx of Finnish patients significantly benefits the Latvian healthcare sector and economy. A sudden halt woudl have noticeable repercussions.

* Addressing Finnish Healthcare Gaps: Latvian providers are filling a critical gap in the Finnish healthcare system, reducing wait times for essential procedures.

The Finnish Outlook: Concerns and Justifications

Finland defends its actions by citing concerns about quality control, patient safety, and the financial sustainability of its healthcare system. The Finnish government argues that without proper oversight and reimbursement mechanisms, there’s a risk of:

* Substandard Care: Concerns exist regarding varying standards of care in different countries.

* Financial Burden: The cost of reimbursing patients who seek treatment abroad without prior authorization places a strain on the Finnish healthcare budget.

* “Medical Tourism” Exploitation: allegations have surfaced regarding potential exploitation of the system, with some providers prioritizing profit over patient well-being.

* Data Privacy: Ensuring patient data is protected under GDPR regulations when transferred across borders is a key concern.

Impact on Patients: Navigating the Challenges

Finnish patients seeking care in Latvia now face a more complex landscape. While treatment is still accessible, the financial implications are significant. Patients may need to cover the costs upfront and then attempt to claim reimbursement – a process that is now considerably more difficult.

Here’s what patients need to consider:

1. Financial Planning: Be prepared to pay for treatment out-of-pocket.
2. Reimbursement Process: Understand the new Finnish regulations and the documentation required for potential reimbursement (which is not guaranteed).
3. Insurance Coverage: Check if your private health insurance covers treatment abroad.
4. Legal Advice: Consider seeking legal counsel to understand your rights and options.
5. Direct Billing: Inquire if the Latvian clinic offers direct billing options or payment plans.

Legal battles and Potential Resolutions

The dispute is likely heading towards legal challenges. Latvian medical associations are exploring options to contest the finnish regulations through EU legal channels. Possible outcomes include:

* EU Court ruling: A ruling from the European Court of Justice could clarify the legality of the Finnish regulations under EU law.

* Negotiated Agreement: Finland and Latvia could reach a bilateral agreement that addresses both countries’ concerns.

* Revised Regulations: Finland might revise its regulations to strike a balance between patient access, quality control, and financial sustainability.

* Continued Defiance: Latvian doctors may continue to provide care, leading to ongoing legal disputes and potential sanctions.

The Role of Medical Tourism Facilitators

Medical tourism facilitators, companies specializing in arranging healthcare abroad, are playing an increasingly significant role in this situation. They offer services such as:

* Clinic Selection: Helping patients find reputable clinics in Latvia.

* Treatment Coordination: Arranging appointments, travel, and accommodation.

* Translation Services: Providing language support during consultations and treatment.

* Reimbursement Assistance: Guiding patients through the reimbursement process (though success isn’t guaranteed).

However, it’s crucial to choose a reputable facilitator and thoroughly research their services before engaging their assistance.

Future Outlook: A Shifting Landscape for Cross-Border Healthcare

this controversy highlights the growing pains of cross-border healthcare within the EU. As healthcare systems face increasing pressures, the demand for medical tourism is likely to rise. The situation between Finland and Latvia serves as a cautionary tale,emphasizing the need for clear,consistent,and legally sound regulations that protect both patients and healthcare providers. The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly shape the future of cross-border healthcare access within the European Union.