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 transformation 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 can effective communication influence public support for healthcare reforms, as discussed in the interview?
**Interview with Dr. Eva Petronaitė, Health Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petronaitė. Let’s dive right into the recent appeal from the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party regarding the healthcare reform. What are your thoughts on their call for a detailed review?
**Dr. Petronaitė:** Thank you for having me. The appeal from the Social Democratic Party highlights a significant concern for transparency and public engagement in the reform process. Healthcare reforms can greatly impact patients and healthcare providers, so it’s essential to have an evidence-based approach that involves all stakeholders. A public review can help address fears and clarify the intended benefits of these changes.
**Interviewer:** The ruling conservatives have rejected this criticism. What do you believe is the reason behind this pushback?
**Dr. Petronaitė:** The ruling party likely believes that the reforms are necessary for improving the healthcare system and may feel confident in their strategy. They might view calls for delay as political maneuvering rather than genuine concern. However, dismissing opposition without addressing the underlying issues can backfire, especially in a sensitive area like healthcare.
**Interviewer:** The Speaker of the Seimas mentioned the importance of providing information to those affected by the reform. How critical do you think communication is in this situation?
**Dr. Petronaitė:** Communication is crucial. As the Speaker noted, systemic changes can lead to confusion and anxiety among healthcare workers and patients. Clear, timely, and consistent information is vital to prepare everyone for what to expect. If people feel informed, they are more likely to support necessary changes, even if they are initially resistant.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors linked to these reforms. How should the Ministry of Health address these issues?
**Dr. Petronaitė:** It’s alarming to see resignations in such a critical sector. The ministry needs to investigate whether these resignations stem from dissatisfaction with the reforms or other factors like workload or pay. Addressing the root causes directly, rather than dismissing them, is vital for maintaining workforce stability and ensuring that the reform process is successful.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you think is the way forward for the government and the opposition in terms of healthcare reform?
**Dr. Petronaitė:** A collaborative approach could foster a more constructive environment. The government should consider a joint task force with opposition parties and healthcare professionals to facilitate an open dialogue about the reforms. This could lead to modifications based on expert feedback, creating a more robust system that enjoys wider support from society.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Petronaitė, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. Petronaitė:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the conversation going for the sake of Lithuania’s healthcare future.
