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.
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What concerns are driving the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party to request a pause in the proposed healthcare reforms?
**Interview with Dr. Kristina Pavlė, Healthcare Policy Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Pavlė. There’s been a lot of social and political turbulence surrounding the proposed healthcare reforms in Lithuania. Can you provide some insights into why the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has called for a halt to these reforms?
**Dr. Pavlė:** Thank you for having me. The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party’s appeal stems largely from concerns about the lack of transparency and public engagement in the reform process. They’re advocating for a thorough and evidence-based review before moving forward, highlighting that significant changes like these must be accompanied by clear communication and rationale to all stakeholders involved, particularly patients and healthcare providers.
**Interviewer:** The ruling conservatives have dismissed this criticism, suggesting that resistance is a natural part of systemic changes. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Pavlė:** Resistance is indeed common during major reforms; however, it’s crucial to differentiate between constructive criticism and mere resistance. It’s essential for the government to present comprehensive data and engage with the public to address concerns proactively. If the ministry has not provided adequate justification or information prior to implementation, it could lead to mistrust and further unrest.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors, with some attributing these to the ongoing reforms. Can you shed some light on this situation?
**Dr. Pavlė:** Yes, the resignations appear to be symptomatic of the broader tensions within the healthcare sector regarding these reforms. While some may link these departures directly to the changes being implemented, it’s essential to analyze each case individually. There may be multiple factors at play, including workload, stress, and changes in organizational structure that might contribute to low morale.
**Interviewer:** The Speaker of the Seimas mentioned that more information and explanations are needed from the ministry. Do you think this sentiment is widespread among healthcare professionals?
**Dr. Pavlė:** Absolutely. There is a growing demand for clear communication from the ministry. Healthcare professionals want to understand how these reforms will impact their roles, their patients, and the overall quality of care. Providing that clarity is vital not only for ensuring smooth implementation but also for maintaining trust in the healthcare system.
**Interviewer:** What do you think should be the next steps moving forward?
**Dr. Pavlė:** The government should prioritize open dialogue with healthcare workers, patients, and the public. A comprehensive review involving all stakeholders can be valuable in addressing concerns and integrating feedback. Additionally, it’s crucial to implement evidence-based strategies that focus on improving patient care and system efficiency while minimizing disruption to existing services.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. Pavlė. This is an important issue for Lithuania, and your expertise helps clarify the complexities involved.
**Dr. Pavlė:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical topic.
