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 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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**Interview with Dr. Andrius Šuminas, Healthcare Policy Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Šuminas. There has been growing tension surrounding the healthcare reform in Lithuania. The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party is urging the government to halt the reform and conduct a public review. What are your thoughts on this appeal?
**Dr. Šuminas:** Thank you for having me. The appeal from the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party highlights a crucial aspect of any significant reform: public engagement and transparency. It’s essential for the government to involve stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and the public, in discussions about reforms, especially when they can have far-reaching impacts on services.
**Editor:** The Speaker of the Seimas mentioned that every reform faces resistance and emphasized the need for the Ministry of Health to prepare better. Do you think they are adequately communicating the reasons behind the reform?
**Dr. Šuminas:** Based on the statements made, it seems there is a gap in communication. Effective reforms are supported by clear information and evidence-based arguments. If the ministry is facing pushback, they must address it openly and provide data to justify their approach. Lack of clarity can lead to confusion and unrest among both healthcare workers and patients.
**Editor:** There have also been reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors, which some, like former Health Minister Aurelijs Veryga, link to the ongoing reforms. What are your insights on this situation?
**Dr. Šuminas:** Resignations during such significant changes can be indicative of deeper issues within the healthcare system. While it’s crucial to evaluate if these resignations are directly tied to the reform or other systemic issues, they create additional challenges in implementing any changes effectively. It’s vital that the ministry investigates these cases to maintain stability and trust within the healthcare sector.
**Editor:** Speaker V. Čmilytė-Nielsen suggests we shouldn’t confuse dissatisfaction with these resignations. How important is it for the government to distinguish between the two?
**Dr. Šuminas:** It’s very important. Misinterpretation can exacerbate public unrest or obscure the real issues at play. The government needs to actively listen to both the concerns about the reform and the reasons behind the resignations. Separating these two narratives allows for more targeted responses and solutions that can benefit the healthcare system as a whole.
**Editor:** In your opinion, what steps should the government take next to address these challenges?
**Dr. Šuminas:** The government should prioritize open dialogue with healthcare professionals and the community to assess the reform’s implications. A public review is necessary to gather feedback and adjust the reform as needed. Furthermore, addressing the dissatisfaction head-on and ensuring that all voices are heard will be vital in creating a more effective and accepted healthcare system.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Šuminas, for your insights on this important issue.
**Dr. Šuminas:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue to discuss and advocate for a healthcare system that serves everyone effectively.
