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Latvia is investing in a major upgrade to its pulmonary and infectious disease care infrastructure, with a fresh facility slated to open in Riga in the first half of 2028. The project aims to improve both patient care and working conditions for medical staff.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited the Rīgas Austrumu klīniskās universitātes slimnīcas (RAKUS) “Tuberkulozes un plaušu slimību centrs” on Tuesday, March 9, 2026, to review the progress of the new Plaušu veselības un infekciju slimību korpusa construction. He was joined by Vadims Beļuns, Chairman of the Board of RAKUS.
“The construction of the Plaušu veselības un infekciju slimību korpusa and the relocation of the hospital’s functions is a step that will improve both the patient care environment and the working conditions of medical personnel,” Rinkēvičs said.
During the visit, the President toured the pulmonary disease clinic, the thoracic surgery department, as well as the operating room and endoscopy unit. The current RAKUS station, “Tuberkulozes un plaušu slimību centrs,” located in Stopiņi parish, Ropažu novads, is currently considered to be in critical condition.
RAKUS has signed a contract with AS “UPB” worth €69,515,057 for the design, supervision, and construction of the new Plaušu veselības un infekciju slimību korpusa on Hipokrāta iela in Riga. The contract covers the construction of a 21,774 square meter center, including connections to the “Gaiļezers” hospital, as well as logistics buildings, access roads, and a parking lot.
The move will consolidate the work of three East Hospital stations in one location, increasing accessibility and fostering greater multidisciplinary collaboration among medical professionals, according to hospital officials. The new facility will feature modern health care standards for patients with pulmonary and infectious diseases, including negative pressure isolators, isolators for dangerous infections, and high-observation wards in stationary departments.
The architectural design and technological solutions will be based on international experience and research on staff workflows, and the spaces will be equipped with modern equipment and technologies, the hospital stated. This investment underscores Latvia’s commitment to modernizing its healthcare infrastructure.
