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 specific measures are being implemented to address the concerns of healthcare professionals regarding the ongoing reform in Lithuania?
**Interview with V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, on Healthcare Reform in Lithuania**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen. Recently, the opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party appealed to halt the ongoing healthcare reform and called for an evidence-based review. How does your party respond to these concerns?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen**: Thank you for having me. It’s important to recognize that any significant reform, especially one as systemic as the healthcare changes we’re undergoing, will naturally face resistance. This reform is aimed at creating a more integrated and efficient healthcare system. I believe that while there are genuine concerns, we must focus on effective communication from our Ministry to clear up misconceptions and provide the necessary information to the public.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned communication. There have been suggestions that the reform process might feel rushed. What steps are being taken to ensure that those affected are fully informed?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen**: Yes, the ministry must prioritize providing clear and comprehensive information. It seems that many feel the need for clarity on the reform’s implications and how it affects them. We are addressing this by encouraging dialog with healthcare professionals and stakeholders. It is crucial to engage directly with those who will be impacted and ensure that their voices are heard.
**Interviewer**: We’ve heard reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors, with some attributing these to the ongoing reform. How does your party view these developments?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen**: It’s indeed troubling to hear about resignations, and while some may link them to the reform, it’s essential to assess each case individually. We should not conflate dissatisfaction with the reform process with unrelated issues within the healthcare system. The ministry must look into these cases to understand the broader context.
**Interviewer**: Critics have raised concerns about the timing and execution of the reform. What assurances can you provide to those worried about its long-term impact?
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen**: I understand the apprehensions; reforms can be unsettling. However, I assure you that the goal is to enhance the quality of care and make our healthcare system more resilient. We are committed to ongoing assessments as the reform progresses, and we will adjust our approach based on feedback from medical professionals and the public.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your insights, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen. It’s clear that navigating such extensive reforms requires careful consideration and dialog.
**V. Čmilytė-Nielsen**: Thank you for having this important conversation. It’s vital that we keep the lines of communication open as we work toward a better healthcare system for all Lithuanians.
