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M. Continuo

Latvian health minister quits amid crisis


    RIGA (Reuters) - Latvia's government said on Wednesday that Health Minister Ivars Eglitis has resigned after he declined to carry out spending cuts needed to reform the health service in the middle of an economic crisis.

    Latvia, facing a 20 percent economic decline, is slashing spending to meet the terms of an international bailout. Wages are being cut by 20 percent in the state sector, including in the medical system.

    (Reporting by Patrick Lannin)