Call to improve access to hepatitis C treatment in Latvia

Dear Mr Juris Bundulis,

The European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) has received information that access to hepatitis C treatment in Latvia has been impeded since the beginning of 2011. Patients receiving treatment will have to pay 11 lat more than in previous years because the pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme that supplies the treatment agents is not any more allowed to partially cover costs of treatment.

Since January 1st of 2006, as chronic hepatitis C infection has been classified as a chronic disease that limits life functions and leads to severe disabilities, its pegylated interferon-based treatment has been included in the list of drugs compensated by the state for 75% price. On the 1st of March 2009 viral hepatitis C has been reclassified as a chronic disease that requires maintenance or improvement of health conditions, and the amount of state compensation decreased from 75% to 50%.

Taken into account the inability of most of the patients with hepatitis C to cover half of the price of pegylated interferon we ask you to consider the possibility to cover 75% of price of hepatitis C treatment.

Thank you for your attention and swift action relating to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Anna Zakowicz
Chair, European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG)