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 key factors contributing to the resistance against healthcare reforms in Lithuania as highlighted in your interview, Dr. Petrova?
**Interview with Dr. Lina Petrova, Healthcare Policy Expert**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Petrova. Thank you for joining us today. There’s been significant debate in Lithuania regarding the ongoing healthcare reform. Last week, the opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party called for a halt to the reforms and demanded a comprehensive review. What’s your take on this situation?
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me. The call from the Social Democrats reflects growing concerns among various stakeholders about the current pace and transparency of the healthcare reform. Simply put, healthcare reforms are complex, and when they move too quickly without adequate communication or evidence-based justification, it can create significant pushback.
**Host:** The Speaker of the Seimas mentioned that no reform is without resistance and emphasized the need for the ministry to prepare better. How critical is public and stakeholder engagement during such reforms?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s absolutely critical. Engaging with the public and healthcare professionals from the start can alleviate many issues. When stakeholders feel informed and included, they are less likely to resist changes. The Speaker’s comments about the timing of communication suggest that people may feel like they’re being asked to accept changes without having a clear understanding of the benefits or processes involved.
**Host:** There have also been reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors, which former Minister Aurelijs Veryga linked to the reform. Do you think this is indicative of broader issues within the healthcare system?
**Dr. Petrova:** Yes, it could be a sign of deeper systemic issues. Rapid reforms can create instability within organizations, leading to frustration and, ultimately, resignations. A lack of transparent communication from the ministry, as highlighted by the Speaker, can exacerbate this dilemma. Stakeholder dissatisfaction often stems from fears about job security and changes in workplace environments, which can drive talented individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere.
**Host:** Lastly, V. Čmilytė-Nielsen urged not to confuse the dissatisfaction over the reforms with unrelated resignations. How do you interpret that statement?
**Dr. Petrova:** That statement indicates an attempt to separate specific problems from broader criticisms. However, it’s essential to recognize that dissatisfaction with reforms can significantly impact staff morale. While not every resignation may directly correlate to the reforms, if the reforms negatively affect the work environment, it’s likely to influence personnel decisions. Addressing these concerns comprehensively is crucial for smooth implementation.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights. It seems the road ahead for Lithuania’s healthcare reforms will require careful navigation and open dialog to ensure both effectiveness and public trust.
**Dr. Petrova:** Absolutely, the future of healthcare in Lithuania depends on it. Thank you for having me.
