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 specific evidence-based assessments would you recommend for evaluating the healthcare network reform in Lithuania?
**Interview with Dr. Rasa Kairytė, Health Policy Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kairytė. The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has recently appealed to halt the healthcare network reform. What are your thoughts on their call for a detailed review and evidence-based assessment?
**Dr. Kairytė:** Thank you for having me. I believe their appeal is quite timely. Major changes in healthcare systems can provoke significant public concern. A thorough and open review would not only align with democratic principles but also foster trust between the government and the citizens who rely on these services.
**Editor:** The ruling conservatives have dismissed this criticism, with Speaker of the Seimas, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, stating that every reform meets resistance. How justified is this perspective?
**Dr. Kairytė:** It’s true that substantial reforms often face pushback. However, effective communication is crucial. The ministry must clearly articulate the reasons for these changes and the benefits they will bring. Otherwise, they risk appearing dismissive of legitimate public concerns. Addressing fears and providing solid evidence can often lead to a smoother transition.
**Editor:** There have been reports of resignations from healthcare managers and doctors amidst these reforms, which former Minister Veryga suggested might be linked. What impact could these resignations have on the healthcare system?
**Dr. Kairytė:** Resignations can destabilize any healthcare system, especially if key positions are vacated. This can lead to a loss of experienced personnel, which affects the quality and continuity of care. If these resignations correlate with the reform, it highlights the need for better management of change and more robust support for those involved in the transformation.
**Editor:** Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen also emphasized not confusing questions and dissatisfaction with the reform’s necessity. How can officials differentiate between common concerns and constructive criticism?
**Dr. Kairytė:** Officials need to engage in active listening. By facilitating open forums for discussion where stakeholders can voice concerns without fear of repercussions, the government can discern constructive criticism from general dissatisfaction. Additionally, it’s essential to provide clear feedback channels for healthcare professionals to express their insights as frontline workers.
**Editor:** what would your recommendation be for the Lithuanian government in light of these escalating tensions surrounding the reform?
**Dr. Kairytė:** I would recommend a multi-faceted approach: first, establishing an independent review panel to assess the proposed reforms transparently; second, ensuring ongoing, clear communication about the goals and expected outcomes; and third, involving key stakeholders—healthcare professionals and patients alike—in the reform process to build consensus and collaboration.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Kairytė, for your insights into this complex issue. We appreciate your time and expertise.
**Dr. Kairytė:** Thank you for having me; it was a pleasure to discuss such a vital topic.