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 do the recent resignations among healthcare managers and doctors relate to the current healthcare reform in Lithuania?
**Interview with Dr. Aurelijs Veryga – Former Minister of Health and Current Member of the Opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Veryga. Recently, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party appealed for a halt to the ongoing healthcare reform. Can you share the main concerns that prompted this request?
**Dr. Veryga:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Our primary concern is that the healthcare reform lacks a thorough and public review process, as well as an evidence-based assessment. We believe that major systemic changes like this one should be transparent and should consider the needs and opinions of all stakeholders involved, especially those in the healthcare system.
**Interviewer:** The ruling conservatives have rejected your criticism, stating that all reforms encounter resistance. What is your response to this?
**Dr. Veryga:** While it’s true that reforms can face opposition, this should not be a reason to proceed without adequate information and preparation. The Speaker of the Seimas herself acknowledged that the ministry may not have fully engaged with the public prior to implementing these changes. This gives the impression that the reform is being rushed without proper consultation.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports of resignations among healthcare managers and doctors. Do you believe these resignations are linked to the ongoing reforms?
**Dr. Veryga:** Yes, I do. There appears to be a direct correlation between the reform process and these resignations. Many healthcare professionals are expressing their dissatisfaction and concerns, which is significant. However, it’s important to clarify that not all resignations are solely due to reform—they could also be linked to individual circumstances. Nevertheless, the timing raises red flags that cannot be ignored.
**Interviewer:** The current Speaker suggested that the ministry needs to provide clearer communication regarding these changes. What steps would you recommend moving forward?
**Dr. Veryga:** First and foremost, I urge the government to engage in a detailed analysis of the proposed changes. They should openly communicate their plans, rationale, and the expected impact on healthcare services. Additionally, they must involve healthcare professionals and patients in the conversation to ensure that the reforms are beneficial and to alleviate any fears or misunderstandings.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Veryga, for providing your insights on this crucial issue. It seems clear that open dialogue will be key as Lithuania navigates its healthcare reform.
**Dr. Veryga:** Thank you for having me. Open dialogue is indeed essential for a successful transformation in our healthcare system.
