Latvia Builds Strategic Medicine Reserves in Preparation for War

Latvia has introduced new rules governing the creation and use of reserves of critical medicines, aimed at ensuring that the population and military personnel have access to essential medications in the event of a threat to national security.

According to LV Portāls, the rules are based on Latvian government regulation No. 631, adopted on October 13, 2026.

The document provides for the creation of reserves of medicines used to treat 20 groups of diseases. The list includes painkillers, anti-allergy medications, antidiabetic drugs, cardiovascular medicines, and cancer treatments. However, the specific names of the medicines and the quantities held in reserve are classified as restricted-access information.

The rules also provide for the possibility of transferring some of the medicines to the Latvian National Armed Forces. To initiate this process, the Ministry of Defence must submit a formal request, after which the State Medical Emergency Commission will make a decision based on current needs and available supplies.

The National Health Service will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the reserves. It will conclude contracts with pharmaceutical wholesalers for the procurement, storage, and replenishment of medicines. Suppliers will be required to ensure a continuous supply and submit quarterly reports on stock levels and expiry dates.

In the event of a national security threat or emergency, pharmaceutical companies will be required to prepare and deliver the specified quantities of medicines to designated locations within 24 hours of receiving an official order.

Militarnyi previously reported that Germany is also preparing its healthcare system for a possible large-scale war. According to the Bundeswehr, if fighting breaks out on NATO’s eastern flank, Germany could receive between 300 and 1,000 wounded military personnel per day for medical treatment. In response, hospitals and other medical facilities are increasing their stocks of essential medicines and preparing to treat large numbers of casualties.