LATVIJAS STOMAS BIEDRĪBA – ILCO

LATVIAN OSTOMY ASSOCIATION – ILCO

The Latvian Ostomy Association - ILCO is founded in 1992, has 61 members (June, 2008), works in national level for approximately 3000 ostomates in Latvia (2007). Governed by a board of five members each elected for a period of three years. No profit association and all the members of its board, president included, work on voluntary base, only.

In Latvia all supplies ostomates need are paid by the special state reimbursement system of pharmaceuticals and medical products (includes ostomy care products). The pharmaceuticals and also medicine products eligible for reimbursement are listed in the Positive list elaborated by the State Medicines Pricing and Reimbursement Agency (SMPRA). Reimbursement system is funded by taxes and directed by Ministry of Health. Reimbursed medicine products are prescribed by family doctors and certain specialists who have agreement with Health Compulsory Insurance State Agency. Reimbursement is provided through pharmacies on the basis of a special reimbursable prescription, patients getting the ostomy care products without payment in a limited amount for a year, as that are the 100% reimbursement case.

Mission statement. The Latvian Ostomy Association – ILCO set objectives to promote level of pre- and post-operation care, treatment and rehabilitation – to regain physical, mental and social potential of people with a stoma.

Objectives:

  • To support ostomates and them families and bring them together, to provide them education and to promote their interests at government institutions.
  • To provide for the hospitals and political wealth authorities information and knowledge on the ostomated conditions of life and on the illnesses which may cause an ostomy.
  • To work together with educational and healthcare institutions, including providing materially base of consultation cabinet for ostomates.
  • To promote level in education of ostomy care, treatment and rehabilitation for medical and social professionals, as well as cooperation between them.
  • Is for its work dependent on subsidies, the contributions from her members and donations.
  • Is administratively independent.

Contact: ilco@parks.lv , daiga_skagale@inbox.lv