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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What are the main challenges you foresee in implementing the healthcare reform in Lithuania?
**Interview with V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Čmilytė-Nielsen. Recently, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has called for a halt to the healthcare reform and a thorough review. What is your response to their appeal?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to acknowledge that no major reform is free from resistance, and this healthcare reform is a significant systemic change. The ministry is tasked with providing clear and comprehensive information to those impacted by these changes, which seems to have fallen short in this instance.
**Editor:** You mentioned the need for better communication. What do you think went wrong in the communication process regarding this reform?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** It appears that the communication strategy was not adequately executed. The ministry must address the concerns and questions from the public and healthcare professionals before initiating such substantial changes. Unfortunately, it seems that explanations are being offered only after the reform has begun.
**Editor:** There have reportedly been resignations among healthcare managers and doctors, with some linking these to the ongoing reforms. How do you interpret this situation?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** It’s crucial not to conflate these resignations with the reform itself. While dissatisfaction and questions about the changes are valid, we must carefully analyze the underlying reasons behind these resignations rather than attributing them solely to the reform.
**Editor:** What steps do you believe should be taken moving forward to address these issues?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** First and foremost, the ministry must engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders—healthcare professionals, patients, and the public. A detailed, evidence-based assessment of the reform is necessary to address concerns and ensure that the changes are beneficial for the healthcare network in Lithuania.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Ms. Čmilytė-Nielsen. It’s clear that navigating this reform will require careful consideration and communication.
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue the conversation and work towards a healthcare system that serves all Lithuanians effectively.
