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 key factors contributing to the resistance against healthcare reforms in Lithuania according to Dr. Lina Jurevičienė?
**Interview with Dr. Lina Jurevičienė, Health Policy Analyst**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Jurevičienė. The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party recently urged the government to halt the healthcare reform and conduct a thorough review. What do you think are the main concerns driving this appeal?
**Dr. Jurevičienė**: Thank you for having me. The main concerns seem to stem from a lack of clarity and communication regarding the proposed changes. The Social Democrats are advocating for a more transparent process where stakeholders, particularly healthcare workers and patients, can understand the implications of the reform. They are emphasizing the need for evidence-based assessments to ensure that the changes will genuinely benefit the healthcare system and its users.
**Editor**: The ruling conservatives have dismissed the criticism. Speaker of the Seimas, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, suggested that major reforms often face resistance. Could you elaborate on this perspective?
**Dr. Jurevičienė**: Absolutely. Reform in any sector, especially healthcare, often encounters pushback because it disrupts established systems. What Çmilytė-Nielsen highlighted is that resistance can stem from fear of the unknown. However, her comments also suggest that there might be a communication gap. It’s essential for the Ministry of Health to provide clear and compelling arguments for the changes to foster understanding and acceptance among those affected.
**Editor**: There have also been reports of resignations among health managers and doctors, with some attributing these resignations to the ongoing reforms. Do you think this will have a significant impact on the healthcare system?
**Dr. Jurevičienė**: Yes, the resignation of healthcare professionals can have profound implications. It potentially disrupts services and may lead to a shortage of experienced personnel at a time when their insight is crucial for the effective implementation of reforms. It’s important, however, to distinguish between resignations that are directly related to the reforms and those that may be coincidental—a nuanced approach is required in this situation.
**Editor**: what do you think needs to happen moving forward for a smoother transition into the proposed healthcare reforms?
**Dr. Jurevičienė**: There needs to be a robust dialogue between the government, healthcare professionals, and the public. An inclusive process that engages all stakeholders can help address concerns and build trust. Moreover, having clear, evidence-based data presented in an accessible way will be crucial in guiding discussions and securing backing for the reforms. Ultimately, the goal should be to enhance the efficiency and quality of healthcare in Lithuania, and that requires cooperation and transparency.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Jurevičienė, for your insights on this important issue.
**Dr. Jurevičienė**: Thank you for having me.
