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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What are the potential long-term impacts of the healthcare reform being discussed by Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen?
**Interview with V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen. Last week, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party urged for a halt to the healthcare reform. What is your response to their call for a public review?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** Thank you for having me. The opposition’s concerns are understandable, as any reform of this magnitude will naturally encounter resistance. However, we believe that our approach is necessary for the long-term improvement of the healthcare system. It’s essential that we move forward while providing clear information and arguments to everyone affected.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned a need for better communication from the ministry. What specifically do you think could be improved in their messaging?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** It appears there has been a disconnect in informing the public and healthcare professionals about the objectives and benefits of this reform. The ministry must engage in proactive communication, addressing questions and providing evidence to reassure those affected. Unfortunately, it feels like these discussions have come too late in the process.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports of resignations among healthcare professionals, which former Minister Aurelijs Veryga has linked to the ongoing reform. How do you respond to those concerns?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** While I acknowledge the dissatisfaction that can arise during such reforms, I urge not to conflate individual resignations with the reform process itself. Each situation is unique, and while change can bring challenges, it’s critical to separate personal decisions from the broader initiative aimed at improving healthcare.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what steps do you foresee to alleviate these tensions and improve the situation within the healthcare sector?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** Our priority is to enhance communication. We plan to host public forums and discussions where healthcare workers can share their concerns directly with officials. By fostering dialogue, we hope to gather feedback and adjust our approach if necessary. Transparency and collaboration will be key as we navigate this significant and necessary reform.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen. It’s clear that communication will play a crucial role in the future of Lithuanian healthcare.
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue. I look forward to the continued conversation.
