Why choose Latvia for orthopaedic treatment?

Blackheads Square, Riga

The Republic of Latvia is located in northern Europe on the Baltic Sea nestled between Estonia in the north and Lithuania in the south with Russia and Belarus to the east. After years of Soviet rule Latvia gained independence in 1991 and joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU) in the spring of 2004. It has since emerged as a young, fresh and inspiring country to visit, boasting plenty of diversions for the medical tourist. Think unspoiled nature, miles of sandy coastline and beaches equal to those on the Mediterranean, lively new bars and cafés, historical buildings, and a top showcase of stunning Art Nouveau architecture. All this combined with a good exchange rate, a flight time from the UK of just over two hours and an array of budget airlines covering the route.

Latvia is a very attractive destination for the medical tourist as treatments and consultations are available for around fifty per cent less than in the UK. For example, a hip or knee operation will cost around £4,000 in Latvia, compared with the UK where it will typically cost around £8,000. Equally, the bill for a face lift in the UK could well be £6,000 plus but in Latvia it will be under £3,000. Private hospitals have modern medical equipment and experienced doctors/surgeons often further their studies on exchange programmes in countries such as Sweden, Berlin, the UK or the US, and speak several languages. Patients requiring knee, hip or shoulder surgery and all types of orthopedic operations are treated at the Latvian Hospital of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, one of the largest orthopaedic hospitals in Eastern Europe (in Riga) and along with very good value for money, highly professional surgeons with a very good attitude and quality of care, MRSA regulations are compliant with European regulations.

As the largest city of the three Baltic States the Latvian capital, Riga, is smooth and sophisticated and is growing in popularity as a city-break destination. Trams hurtle along the city’s wide boulevards passing many an interesting Art Nouveau-styled building, as well as the occasional reminder of post Soviet rule in buildings such as Spilve airport on the outskirts of town. Take a wander along the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town which dates back to 1201 to marvel at ancient buildings such as the Riga Dome Cathedral, the Gothic styled St Peter’s church, along with the Three Brothers houses, the Occupation Museum of Latvia (1940 – 1991) which houses archives and memorabilia from the Nazi and Russian occupation, and Rīga Castle where the Latvian History Museum and the Foreign Art Museum are also located. Afterwards wind down with a Latvian beer in one of the many pubs, which will probably have some live music as the Latvians are renowned for being very musical.

Country hot spots include a visit to the medieval castle in Cēsis, the rapids on the River Gauja and the beaches on the ‘Baltic Riviera’. The Baltic coastline is enjoying a new lease of life with white sandy beaches stretching for 500 kilometres, among biosphere reserves and national parks. The most popular beaches are Liepāja, Ventspils and Jurmala, which is just a half hour train ride from Riga with more than a little hint of the Mediterranean. Latvia is also great for the cycling enthusiast with flat roads, unpolluted air, beautiful, hills, forests, sprawling countryside and interesting villages to pedal past.

Latvian is the official language with Russian, other Balkan languages and English also spoken. Latvia has a maritime climate with wet, moderate winters. Summers are cool and cloudy in Riga with an average temperature of 17 degrees Celsius and an average winter temperature in January of minus 4 degrees.

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