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 ambulatory 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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What are the main challenges facing the healthcare reform process in Lithuania, as highlighted by Dr. Aurelijs Veryga during the interview?
### Interview with Dr. Aurelijs Veryga, Former Minister of Health of Lithuania
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Veryga. There’s quite a bit of discussion in Lithuania regarding the ongoing healthcare reform and recent calls from the opposition to halt these changes. What are your thoughts on the current state of these reforms?
**Dr. Veryga:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed concerning. The opposition, particularly the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, has raised valid points about the need for a transparent and evidence-based assessment of the healthcare network reform. It’s crucial that any systemic change, especially in healthcare, is well-communicated and backed by data.
**Editor:** The ruling conservatives have rejected the criticisms and claim that systemic changes often meet resistance. What’s your perspective on that response?
**Dr. Veryga:** It’s true that reforms, especially significant ones, often face pushback. However, this does not diminish the importance of listening to stakeholders. The Speaker of the Seimas mentioned that preparation and clear communication from the health ministry are essential. I agree. The fact that the ministry may not have fully addressed concerns raises questions about the integrity and foresight of this reform process.
**Editor:** You mentioned the recent resignations of managers and doctors in various healthcare institutions. How do you see this relating to the reform?
**Dr. Veryga:** There’s a clear connection. When significant reforms are introduced, especially those perceived as disruptive, staff may feel unsettled, leading to resignations. While I understand the current health minister, V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, urges caution in linking these situations directly to the reform, we must acknowledge that it creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that can drive professionals away.
**Editor:** The Speaker also indicated that information is needed from the ministry to clarify these issues. What specific information do you believe is critical for the public and healthcare professionals?
**Dr. Veryga:** It’s vital that the ministry provides comprehensive data on why the reform is necessary, how it will be implemented, and what the expected outcomes are. This includes outlining how it will impact various healthcare services and practitioners. Transparency fosters trust, which is essential for the effective implementation of reforms.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Veryga, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. As this situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the ministry responds to these concerns from both the opposition and the public.
**Dr. Veryga:** Thank you. Dialogue is key, and I hope for a constructive resolution that prioritizes the well-being of both healthcare providers and patients in Lithuania.
