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, maybe 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.
#Speaker #Seimas #health #reform #sufficiently #explained #affect
What are the potential consequences of halting healthcare reform in Lithuania, according to Dr. Jankauskaitė?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Jankauskaitė, Healthcare Policy Expert**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Jankauskaitė. Given the recent appeal by the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party to halt the healthcare reform, what are your thoughts on the current situation?
**Dr. Jankauskaitė**: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed complex. The opposition’s request to stop the reform and conduct a thorough review reflects deeper concerns regarding the transparency and efficacy of the proposed changes. It’s crucial that any healthcare reform is based on solid evidence and includes public engagement to ensure it meets the needs of the population.
**Editor**: Speaker of the Seimas mentioned that all reforms face resistance and that adequate preparation and communication are vital. Do you think the ministry has adequately prepared for this reform?
**Dr. Jankauskaitė**: It appears that there may have been gaps in communication and stakeholder engagement. It’s essential for the ministry to provide clear and consistent information to both healthcare professionals and the public. Without this, it’s difficult to build trust and understanding, which can exacerbate resistance to necessary changes.
**Editor**: We’ve seen reports of resignations among healthcare professionals, with some attributing these to the ongoing reform. Do you see a direct correlation?
**Dr. Jankauskaitė**: There seems to be a connection between the dissatisfaction surrounding the reform and these resignations. When professionals feel uncertain about their future and the direction of their field, it can lead to increased turnover. However, it’s important not to oversimplify the situation; resignations can stem from various factors, including work conditions and personal circumstances.
**Editor**: Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen has urged not to conflate dissatisfaction with the changes with these resignations. How important is it to distinguish between the two?
**Dr. Jankauskaitė**: It’s extremely important. Confusing these issues could lead to misguided policies that fail to address the root causes of dissatisfaction. Understanding the specific reasons behind resignations can provide better insights for the ministry to enhance workforce stability, while also addressing the broader concerns regarding the reform itself.
**Editor**: Lastly, what do you think should be the next steps for the government regarding this reform?
**Dr. Jankauskaitė**: The government should prioritize open dialogues with healthcare professionals and the public to address their concerns. Conducting a comprehensive and evidence-based review of the reform, as suggested by the opposition, could build credibility and facilitate a more collaborative approach. This will not only help in managing the current discontent but also in ensuring a more successful implementation of the reform in the long term.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Jankauskaitė, for your insights and analysis on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Jankauskaitė**: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation to have as Lithuania navigates these challenges in healthcare.
