The State Audit Office's audit report on the provision of technical aids has identified several shortcomings that significantly affect the waiting times for assistive devices, thereby impacting people's quality of life. Vaivari Technical Aids Centre (VTPC) has initiated a process of review and modernization to improve the quality and accessibility of services throughout Latvia.
With the change in management of the Vaivari Technical Aids Centre in May 2024, a change process has already begun to implement significant reforms in service delivery. Currently, the main processes are being reviewed and improved, including the allocation of assistive devices, organization of procurement, and warehouse management. Improvements are also being made to information systems to ensure more efficient data exchange and clearer process management. In parallel, the Cabinet of Ministers regulations are being reviewed to simplify administrative requirements and make services more accessible.
“These changes are a significant step towards a modern and client-oriented technical aids system. Our goal is to create conditions in which every client receives quality and timely services while reducing bureaucratic burdens. Any major changes take time, so we have identified the biggest challenges, such as waiting times, availability of consultations, simplified access to receiving assistive devices, etc. We are open to suggestions from our clients and their relatives to improve the technical aids service in collaboration with other institutions,” emphasizes Zoja Osipova, a board member of the National Rehabilitation Centre “Vaivari” responsible for the field of technical aids.
An important role in the change process is played by the Functioning Assessment Laboratory (FNL), which conducts in-depth assessments of a person's functioning and makes conclusions about the technical aids needed by the client that correspond to their functional abilities and real needs. Among the priorities are the modernization of warehouses and the organization of the delivery of assistive devices directly to the client's residence, which will significantly reduce waiting times and optimize service delivery.
The service provision manager of the Vaivari Technical Aids Centre, Vita Deičmane, states: “Every year, the number of assistive device recipients in Latvia continues to grow, and this is related to several significant factors. Firstly, the aging of society increases the proportion of older people, who often need aids to improve mobility and quality of life. Secondly, medical advancements allow people with chronic illnesses and disabilities to live longer, creating greater demand for suitable technological solutions. Thirdly, public awareness of available assistive devices and their possibilities is increasing, encouraging more people to seek help. In 2023, VTPC provided more than 19,000 assistive devices with state budget funds, which is about 30% more than five years ago.”
Vaivari Technical Aids Centre is a state institution that ensures the availability of technical aids for people with functional impairments. The Centre works to help people regain independence and improve their quality of life.
The State Audit Office finds several problems in its report on technical aids. These extend waiting times and worsen people's quality of life.
Vaivari Technical Aids Centre (VTPC) is starting changes to make services better and more accessible throughout Latvia.
After the change of management in May 2024, VTPC is beginning major reforms. The Centre is now reviewing key work stages:
- how assistive devices are allocated,
- how procurement is conducted,
- how warehouses operate.
The Centre is also improving information systems. This helps to exchange data faster and better monitor processes. In parallel, the Cabinet of Ministers regulations are being reviewed. The goal is to simplify documents and make services more accessible.
Zoja Osipova, a board member of the National Rehabilitation Centre “Vaivari”, says:
“These changes are an important step towards a modern system that adapts to client needs. We want every client to receive good and timely services. We also want less unnecessary paperwork and complicated procedures.
Major changes take time. We are already seeing the biggest challenges. These are waiting times, availability of consultations, simpler access to receiving assistive devices, and others. We are open to suggestions from clients and their relatives. Together with other institutions, we want to improve technical aids services.”
An important role in the change process is played by the Functioning Assessment Laboratory (FNL). There, specialists carefully assess a person's functioning, such as the ability to walk, move, communicate, and care for themselves. They then decide which technical aids are most suitable for a specific person. These are aids that correspond to the person's abilities and real needs.
One of the main priorities is the modernization of warehouses. Another priority is the delivery of assistive devices to the client's residence. This reduces waiting times and makes the service more convenient. For example, a person with mobility impairments no longer has to go to the Centre for a wheelchair, as it is delivered to their home.
VTPC service provision manager Vita Deičmane states:
“Every year, the number of assistive device recipients in Latvia is increasing. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, society is aging. This means there are more older people. They often need assistive devices to move better and maintain a good quality of life. For example, walking frames, canes, wheelchairs.
Secondly, medicine is advancing. People with chronic illnesses and disabilities live longer. This is good, but it also means that more people need suitable technical solutions. For example, breathing devices, special beds, communication devices.
Thirdly, society is becoming more informed. People are better aware of what assistive devices are available and how they can help. Therefore, more people are seeking help.
In 2023, VTPC provides more than 19,000 assistive devices with state budget funds. This is much more than five years ago.”
Vaivari Technical Aids Centre is a state institution. It provides technical aids to people with functional impairments. For example, to people who have difficulty walking, seeing, hearing, or caring for themselves.
The Centre's goal is to help people become as independent as possible and improve their quality of life. This means that a person can move more easily, work, study, care for themselves, and participate in community life.
Additional information is available in the VTPC and Ministry of Welfare's action plan presentation.
+371 67 552 350
vtpc@nrc.lv
