RSU management and Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds discuss importance of military medicine in the context of national security
Photo: Courtesy of RSU
On Friday, 28 February, the Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Sprūds came to the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Medical Education Technology Centre to meet with the management of RSU. The Minister discussed the future plans of RSU, including the course in military medicine and its development, as well as the opportunities to cooperate with the Ministry of Defence in joint research and the development of a secure infrastructure with RSU Rector Pētersons and other representatives of the university management.
During the visit, RSU management and the minister discussed current issues, including the strengthening of the joint military medical education project launched with the Ministry of Defence in 2023, which aligns with the National Defence Concept. Several hundred students have already completed the military medicine course, and plans are in place to train 500 new specialists annually, ensuring their cooperation with the National Armed Forces.
New possibilities in military medical simulation
RSU management presented the representatives of the Ministry with RSU's plans to develop a simulation of field and military medicine, which would enable students and medics to prepare for real crisis situations. To this end, future plans include a secure and private 5G infrastructure at the Medical Education Technology Centre, providing state-of-the-art technology in simulation and data processing.
Joint initiatives would be an important step towards integrating national defence and civilian health sectors, fostering effective cooperation between the medical profession and the armed forces while enhancing the security of the Latvian population.
Research on the health of military personnel
In addition to education, RSU researchers would be ready to contribute to the study of factors influencing the health and combat capabilities of military personnel, analysing physical and psychological preparedness, injury prevention and improving medical care in extreme conditions.
During the meeting, Minister Sprūds stressed that innovation, science and university cooperation are his priorities. From 2028, 1.5% of the defence budget will be dedicated to innovation. At the RSU Medical Education Technology Centre, Minister Sprūds toured the facilities where students learn hands-on military medicine and healthcare skills through simulation.
