Espicom's in-depth pharmaceutical market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in pharmaceutical markets and have access to a wealth of statistical data. Each report opens with an outlook section that provides analysis of the market, 5-year market forecasts, national data projections, market outlook and key developments such as regulation, pricing/reimbursement, intellectual property, health facilities and government policy. The report also provides extensive background information, population trends, health status, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, medical personnel, healthcare development, market access information, trade data for raw materials and finished products and essential industry contacts. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year. Latvia is one of the smallest countries in Europe. It joined the EU in May 2004 and NATO two months earlier. The 2006 population is estimated to be 2.3 million, with the most populous city being Riga, the capital. As with other European countries, Latvia has an ageing population, with those aged 65 and over representing 16.5% of the population in 2006, compared to 14.5% in 1999.

Funding for healthcare in Latvia is managed by the State Compulsory Health Insurance Agency, although funds are gathered largely through general taxation. Treatments guaranteed to all Latvians and foreign residents include emergency care, treatment for acute and chronic diseases, maternity care, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases (including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS), immunisation coverage, oncology, haematology and provision of certain pharmaceuticals to eligible groups.

Around 70% of the pharmaceutical market is supplied by imports. Switzerland, Lithuania and Germany were the leading suppliers in 2004, accounting for almost 50% of imports. Imports have increased in value terms every year since 2001.

The European Regional Development Fund and the Latvian government are currently funding the National Programme in the Area of Healthcare 2004-2006, worth 11.3 million lats (US$6.1 million). The programme consists of a number of projects aimed at improving primary healthcare. One of the objectives is to improve the availability of good quality pharmaceutical care, medicines and objective information regarding medicines.