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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How crucial is effective communication from the government during major reforms, particularly in the healthcare sector?
**Interview with Asta Vasiliauskaitė, Political Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Asta. The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has recently called for a halt to the healthcare network reform. What are the main concerns they have raised?
**Asta Vasiliauskaitė:** Thank you for having me. The Social Democratic Party is calling for a detailed and public review of the healthcare reform, asserting that there needs to be an evidence-based assessment before any major changes are implemented. Their primary concern is that these reforms are happening without sufficient public consultation or transparency, which could lead to negative consequences for those affected.
**Editor:** The ruling conservatives have rejected this criticism. What are their arguments in defense of the reform?
**Asta Vasiliauskaitė:** The ruling party, led by Speaker V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, emphasizes that major reforms are often met with resistance. They argue that this systemic change was necessary and that the ministry is working to provide information to those impacted. However, there’s an acknowledgment of the need for better communication, as it seems the explanations about the reforms may have come too late.
**Editor:** There have been reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors, which the former Minister of Health has linked to the reform. How significant is this issue?
**Asta Vasiliauskaitė:** The resignations are concerning and could indicate deeper issues within the healthcare system. If professionals believe the reforms will negatively impact their work or the quality of care patients receive, it reflects serious dissatisfaction with the ongoing changes. It’s crucial for the government to address these concerns publicly and transparently to regain trust.
**Editor:** Speaking of trust, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen has mentioned the need for answers and information. How important is communication from the government during such reforms?
**Asta Vasiliauskaitė:** Communication is essential during any large-scale reform, especially in healthcare. Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and the public, need to understand what changes are being made, why they are necessary, and how they will be implemented. A lack of clarity can lead to misinformation, fear, and resistance, which can ultimately hinder the success of the reform.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Asta. It seems that this issue is still evolving and will require careful handling by the government to ensure a positive outcome for Lithuania’s healthcare system.
**Asta Vasiliauskaitė:** Absolutely. The coming weeks will be critical in terms of how the government responds to these concerns and whether they can establish a more inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders involved. Thank you for having me.
