The Latvian Cancer Centre of Riga East Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS) has received international accreditation from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), becoming the first internationally accredited cancer centre in Latvia, the Ministry of Health (MoH) reports.
The accreditation confirms that the centre meets common European quality standards in cancer diagnostics, treatment, and care, as well as in research, education, and governance. For patients, this means a more clearly organised treatment process, closer cooperation between different specialists, evidence-based treatment solutions, and continuous improvement in the quality of care, the Ministry says.
The significance of the accreditation extends beyond the involvement of Riga East Clinical University Hospital – the methodological leadership role of the Latvian Cancer Centre is to promote the implementation of common quality requirements, patient pathways, and evidence-based principles of oncology care throughout the country.
The path towards accreditation began in 2021. The OECI expert team assessed the centre’s operations across nine areas, analysing compliance with 85 standards and 345 detailed requirements.
One of the most significant outcomes of the accreditation process is the development and implementation of clinical pathways for cancer patients. The Latvian Cancer Centre has developed 36 clinical patient pathways, involving more than 180 professionals from various specialties. These patient pathways establish unified, evidence-based algorithms for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care for patients with cancers in different locations. For patients, this means a clearer and more predictable treatment process, while for specialists it means a unified approach to decision-making and closer cooperation.
According to the Ministry of Health, a particularly high recognition is the fact that the gastric cancer patient pathway was recognised by OECI experts as an example of good practice and included in the organisation’s international methodological materials as a model for other European cancer centres.
Quality improvement will continue – the OECI certificate is valid until 26 August 2031. A report on the improvements implemented is planned for July 2027.
The development of the Latvian Cancer Centre also includes significant investment in infrastructure. A total of €81.3 million is required for the reconstruction and equipping of the Latvian Oncology Centre building (of which €69.2 million has been allocated), while funding for the project to establish the Latvian Cancer Centre and prepare it for international accreditation amounts to €540.5 thousand, including €500 thousand from the European Union Recovery Fund. The centre’s reconstruction works are financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
OECI is a leading European organisation of cancer centres that brings together specialised oncology centres and provides independent international quality assessment. The accreditation received means that the centre’s operations have been evaluated according to common European quality criteria.
