RSU employees honoured with Ministry of Health awards

On 2 November 2026 the Ministry of Health presented Letters of Commendation and Gratitude to healthcare professionals at the Great Hall of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), recognising their outstanding achievements in public health, healthcare, and pharmacy. We were proud and honoured that many of our colleagues were among the award recipients. 

Recipients of the Ministry of Health Letter of Commendation  

Prof. Dr. med. Indulis Vanags, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Clinical Simulations of the RSU Faculty of Medicine – for his lifetime contribution to the development of healthcare, medical education, science, and the sector in Latvia.

RSU Chancellor Toms Baumanis – for his significant contribution to the strategic development and governance of Rīga Stradiņš University, the advancement of healthcare education infrastructure, and the strengthening of human capital in Latvia’s healthcare sector.

Prof. Dr. med. Jana Pavāre, Dean of the RSU Faculty of Medicine, Lead Researcher at the Department of Paediatrics – for her outstanding professional and academic contribution to the development of paediatric care in Latvia, the advancement of the quality of paediatric healthcare, and the education of future medical professionals.

Valts Ābols, Chair of the Board of the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, RSU lecturer and member of the RSU Convent of Councillors – for his outstanding and strategic contribution to the development of paediatric healthcare in Latvia in establishing a modern and safe healthcare system based on knowledge and the needs of children.  

Andris Bīgestāns, physician, dentist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon at SIROWA RĪGA Dental Clinic, lecturer at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Medicine – for his long-term and outstanding professional work in healthcare, the significant contribution to the development of oral and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry in Latvia, the education of future and practising dental professionals, the advancement of professional quality standards,  and his scientific and public engagement.

Prof. Dr. med. Guntis Karelis, neurologist at Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Head of the RSU Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery – for his significant contribution to the development of neurology, patient care, medical education and science.

Modris Ciems, member of the Board of the Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, tutor at the RSU Department of Orthopaedics – for his long-standing and significant contribution to the development of traumatology and orthopaedics, specialised patient care and healthcare management in Latvia. 

Recipients of the Ministry of Health Letter of Gratitude  

Prof. Dr. habil. med. Aigars Pētersons, RSU Rector – for his strategic contribution to the development of human resources in healthcare, the strengthening of excellence in medical education and science, and the promotion of targeted collaboration between Rīga Stradiņš University and the healthcare sector.

Prof. Dr. med. Māris Taube, President of the Latvian Psychiatric Association, Head of the RSU Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Lead Researcher at the Institute of Public Health – for his significant professional contribution to mental health policy development, the advancement of psychiatric care, and the education of young specialists in Latvia.

Asst. Prof. Dr. med. Ivars Tolmanis, gastroenterologist, endoscopist at the GASTRO CENTRE for Digestive Diseases – for his long-standing and significant contribution to the development of gastroenterology and endoscopy, and to patient care in Latvia.

Maija Briška, Manager of the Director’s Office at the State Blood Donor Centre, clinical placement administrator at RSU – for her long-standing, professional and dedicated work in public administration, and her significant contribution to ensuring the effective operation of the State Blood Donor Centre.

Andrejs Finogejevs, orthopaedic surgeon at ORTO Clinic, Junior Researcher (doctoral student) at RSU – for his highly professional work in traumatology and orthopaedics, significant contribution to medical education and science, the professional training of young doctors, and the advancement of evidence-based medicine in Latvia.

Jeļena Ovsjankina, Head of the Day Hospital Care at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, tutor at RSU – for her contribution to improving the quality of paediatric care and enhancing the service accessibility and development provided by the Day Hospital at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital.

Viesturs Drunks, senior technical orthopaedist at the Orthotics and Prosthetics Centre of the National Rehabilitation Centre Vaivari, assistant of practice in study work at RSU – for his significant contribution to patient care.

Dr. med. Guntis Bahs, cardiologist at Professor Skride Heart Clinic, Professor of Practice at RSU – for his professional work and significant contribution to healthcare in Latvia through the provision of highly-quality cardiac diagnostics and treatment, as well as for his important contribution to medical education, the training of healthcare professionals, and the development of the healthcare sector.

Aina Kratovska, radiologist at Riga East Clinical University Hospital, assistant in study work at RSU – for her significant contribution to the development of interventional radiology and the promotion of modern, safe, and patient-centred healthcare in Latvia.

Līga Kukša, Head of the Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Department No 7 at Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Head of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Management of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Junior Researcher at RSU – for her long-standing work and significant contribution to strengthening public health, combating tuberculosis, and improving the quality of healthcare in Latvia.

Dr. demogr. Līga Āboliņa, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Senior Tutor at the RSU Faculty of Social Sciences – for her significant contribution to the implementation of health policy and sectoral reforms, professional advocacy for healthcare issues in the Parliament, and the successful collaboration with the Saeima, sectoral organisations, and representatives of the public.

Lāsma Līdaka, President of the Latvian Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, Senior Lecturer at the RSU Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology – for her significant contribution to the development of reproductive healthcare for women, children and adolescents, the strengthening of professional education and evidence-based medical treatment, and successful collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Olga Valciņa, representative of the Association of Latvian Oncology Patient Organisations Onkoalianse, Researcher of Practise at RSU – for her active and constructive dialogue with the healthcare sector, tireless advocacy for the interests and rights of cancer patients, and significant contribution to the development of patient-centred healthcare in Latvia.

Alise Singha, family doctor, coordinator at the RSU Centre for Methodology – for her professional contribution to the development of primary healthcare by fostering high-quality, respectful, and empathetic doctor-patient relationships that strengthen mutual trust and promote better health and quality of life. 

The Ministry’s award ceremony is held twice a year: in May and in November, ahead of Latvia’s national holidays.