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 potential consequences of halting the healthcare reform as suggested by the opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party?
**Interview with Dr. Aurelija Šuminas, Healthcare Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Šuminas. Recently, the opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party called for a halt to the healthcare reform, urging a review. What are your thoughts on their appeal?
**Dr. Šuminas:** Thank you for having me. The opposition’s appeal reflects the significant tensions that often accompany large-scale reforms, especially in healthcare, which is a deeply personal topic for many citizens. Their call for a detailed and public review emphasizes the need for transparency and evidence-based decision-making, which is crucial for garnering public trust and acceptance.
**Interviewer:** The ruling conservatives have dismissed this criticism. Do you think this is a wise move?
**Dr. Šuminas:** It’s not uncommon for ruling parties to resist opposition critiques, particularly when they believe their reforms are necessary. However, dismissing concerns outright can lead to further discontent. As Speaker of the Seimas V. Čmilytė-Nielsen noted, major changes need thorough communication strategies to effectively prepare those impacted by the reforms. Information and engagement with stakeholders are critical, or else the reform process may face ongoing resistance and, eventually, failure.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports of resignations among managers and doctors in healthcare institutions, with former Minister Aurelijs Veryga attributing some of these to the ongoing reforms. How does leadership instability affect healthcare delivery during such a transition?
**Dr. Šuminas:** Leadership instability can significantly hinder the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. When key personnel resign, it creates a void in management that can disrupt the implementation of reforms. If healthcare institutions are not led by stable, experienced individuals during this transition, complications may arise in the execution of new policies, negatively affecting patient care and staff morale. It’s essential for the Ministry to address these issues promptly to maintain public confidence.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen mentioned the need for “answers” and “information.” What steps should the ministry take to improve communication about the reforms?
**Dr. Šuminas:** The ministry should prioritize creating clear, accessible communication strategies that involve stakeholders at all levels—healthcare providers, patients, and the general public. Regular updates, informative sessions, and feedback mechanisms are vital. Importantly, they should ensure that the changes being communicated are based on solid evidence, highlighting how these reforms will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes. This approach not only addresses current dissatisfaction but can also lay a foundation for future reforms.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Šuminas, for your insights on this pressing matter. It seems clear that communication and transparency are key to navigating these reforms successfully.
**Dr. Šuminas:** Absolutely, thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I hope for a constructive dialog moving forward.