The opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party appealed to the country’s officials last week, urging them to stop the reform of the healthcare network and to start a detailed and public review of it, to carry out an evidence-based assessment. The ruling conservatives rejected the criticism.
“Not a single reform passes without resistance, this is a major systemic change and, apparently, the ministry must prepare for such a change, first of all, by its arguments, by providing information, above all to those who will be affected by that reform,” the Speaker of the Seimas told LRT on Wednesday. “It gives the impression that it was not fully done and it is being explained when it has already been started, perhaps a little late.”
“I can’t answer why this happened, the ministry should be asked here, but obviously answers are needed, information is needed,” she added.
Recently, there have been reports of resignations of managers and doctors in different health care institutions. Former Minister of Health Aurelijs Veryga linked some of these cases to the ongoing reform.
V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, for her part, urged not to confuse these situations.
“The fact that there are questions, there is dissatisfaction with the changes, this is apparently natural. It really shouldn’t be confused with those individual cases, sometimes dictated by the political conjuncture, when, say, the management leaves or a group of doctors leave one or another hospital. Those things are not necessarily related, and usually they are not,” she said.
The health care reform was approved by the Seimas last year, after its implementation it is promised to provide more outpatient services at the place of residence of patients and reduce hospitalization.
New formations will be created in municipalities – health centers that would take care of public health, provide ambulatory health care services, emergency medical assistance, day services, inpatient services for internal diseases, and engage in long-term care.
However, part of the municipalities and the medical institutions themselves claim that the restructuring does not take into account the expansion of the network of medical institutions carried out so far, and as a result services will decrease in some regions.
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How can public engagement influence the effectiveness of healthcare reforms during periods of resistance?
**Interview with Dr. Rasa Vaitiekuniene, Healthcare Reform Expert**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Vaitiekuniene. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in Lithuania‘s healthcare reform amidst growing opposition.
**Dr. Vaitiekuniene:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me.
**Editor:** The opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has recently called for a halt to the healthcare reforms and to initiate a public review. What are your thoughts on their appeal?
**Dr. Vaitiekuniene:** It’s important for any major reform, especially in healthcare, to have a transparent process that includes public input and evidence-based assessments. The concerns raised by the Social Democratic Party highlight the need for communication and clarity on the proposed changes.
**Editor:** Speaker of the Seimas, V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, mentioned that these reforms are systemic changes that naturally face resistance. Do you agree that resistance is expected in such situations?
**Dr. Vaitiekuniene:** Absolutely. Major reforms often encounter pushback because they disrupt established systems and practices. The key is to manage this resistance effectively by ensuring that stakeholders, especially those directly affected, are well-informed and engaged throughout the process.
**Editor:** There have been reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors linked to the reform. What implications could this have for the healthcare system?
**Dr. Vaitiekuniene:** Resignations during a reform period can lead to instability and may further complicate the implementation of necessary changes. It raises questions about whether the current leadership can effectively manage the transition. The ministry should take these concerns seriously and address them proactively.
**Editor:** Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen emphasized the need for better information dissemination regarding the reforms. In your opinion, what steps should the ministry take to improve this?
**Dr. Vaitiekuniene:** The ministry should prioritize open communication with healthcare professionals and the public. This includes holding informational sessions, providing clear documentation of reform plans, and encouraging feedback. Additionally, involving healthcare workers in the decision-making process can foster trust and collaboration.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Vaitiekuniene, for your insights. It’s clear that a thoughtful and inclusive approach will be essential for the success of Lithuania’s healthcare reforms.
**Dr. Vaitiekuniene:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to ensure that reform leads to improved healthcare outcomes for all citizens.
