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 ambulatory services at the place of residence of patients and to reduce hospitalization.
New entities 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 development 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 does Dr. Veryga suggest that effective communication can improve public confidence in the healthcare reform process?
**Interview with Dr. Aurelijs Veryga – Former Minister of Health, Lithuania**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Veryga. The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has recently called for a halt to the healthcare network reform. What are your thoughts on their appeal?
**Dr. Veryga**: Thank you for having me. The opposition’s appeal highlights valid concerns. Healthcare reforms are inherently complex and can cause considerable uncertainty among healthcare professionals and patients alike. I believe a detailed and public review is essential to ensure that the changes are truly beneficial to our healthcare system.
**Interviewer**: The ruling conservatives have dismissed the criticisms, suggesting that every reform encounters resistance. Do you agree with their stance?
**Dr. Veryga**: While it’s true that systemic changes often meet opposition, it’s crucial to differentiate between resistance based on vested interests and legitimate concerns about the reform’s implications. Public confidence in the healthcare system is vital, and without transparent communication and a proper evidence-based assessment, these concerns will only grow.
**Interviewer**: The Speaker of the Seimas mentioned the need for the ministry to provide clear information to those affected by the reform. What is your view on this aspect?
**Dr. Veryga**: Communication is key in times of change. It’s not enough to implement reforms; there must be an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, including healthcare workers and the general public. If people feel their voices aren’t heard, the reform risks alienating those it’s meant to serve.
**Interviewer**: There have been reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors linked to the reform. How do you interpret this situation?
**Dr. Veryga**: These resignations could indicate underlying issues within the reform process. While it’s tempting to draw direct lines between dissatisfaction and these departures, we need to analyze carefully what is driving these decisions. Are they a reaction to policy changes, or are there other factors involved, such as workplace culture and job satisfaction?
**Interviewer**: The current Speaker of the Seimas has urged caution not to conflate dissatisfaction with the reform with dissatisfaction among healthcare professionals. Do you think there’s validity to this?
**Dr. Veryga**: Absolutely. It’s essential to investigate each issue on its own merits. While dissatisfaction with the reform may coexist with broader systemic problems, they should not be conflated. A nuanced approach is required to address the unique challenges facing our healthcare system, both during reform and in its everyday operations.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Veryga, for your insights. It seems there’s much to consider as Lithuania navigates these changes in its healthcare system.
**Dr. Veryga**: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for our healthcare, and open dialogue will be paramount in ensuring the best outcomes for all.
