Minister of Health launches 105th anniversary year of RSU Red Cross Medical College

On 9 January, the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Red Cross Medical College was attended by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Latvia, Hosam Abu Meri. During the visit, he got acquainted with the College's activities and study programmes and took a tour of the teaching laboratories. The Minister's visit marked the beginning of the 105th anniversary year of the College, which is a significant moment in the history of medical education in Latvia.

During the Minister's visit, RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons and Vice-Rector for Health Studies Andris Skride affirmed the importance of the College in the RSU ecosystem and its consistency in educating healthcare professionals. In welcoming the guests, Director of the College Ināra Upmale emphasised that the aim of the visit was not only to present the achievements of the College, but also to confirm its importance within the Latvian healthcare system. ‘We are happy that despite the various changes of the times, we continue to train highly qualified specialists and to contribute to the development of the state's health care,’ said the Head of the College.

On congratulating the College on the occasion of its 105th anniversary year, the Minister of Health noted the high quality of medical education at the College and expressed his gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the establishment and development of this centre of excellence through their work, knowledge and warmth of heart.

During a tour of the college, the visitors got acquainted with the study and training process of all programmes offered at the College - from physician's to nursing assistants. They also discussed the College's development directions to keep up with the times and the demand of the healthcare sector.

Founded in 1920, the Red Cross Medical College is Latvia's oldest medical education institution and celebrates the 105th anniversary of its foundation this year. During this period of time, the College has trained nearly 15 000 graduates who are working both in Latvia and abroad. The College currently runs several short-cycle professional higher education programmes, including physician assistants, pharmacist assistants, massage therapists and emergency medicine physician assistants, as well as secondary vocational education programmes (Nursing Assistant, Dental Assistant). 

The College prides itself on its high-quality education, which is ensured in close cooperation with RSU, in whose ecosystem it has been operating since 2010. The RSU brand and cooperation with RSU structural units allow the College to maintain high educational standards and provide students with access to modern training technologies.

The College has proactively followed educational and social trends, introducing innovations such as a digital skills module in healthcare and a simulation learning environment. The College has received international recognition for these achievements, including Quality Innovation Award in 2021. In 2023, the College received the highest accreditation from the Higher Education Quality Agency, which confirms its high quality of studies and ensures the possibility to continue its educational programmes until 2029.

RSU Red Cross Medical College works closely with healthcare institutions across Latvia and is an important partner for the Ministry of Health in implementing professional development and continuing education programmes. Over the past three years, the College has trained more than 1500 healthcare professionals.