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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How can effective communication strategies between the government and the opposition impact the implementation of healthcare reforms, based on Dr. Šuminas’ insights?
**Interview with Dr. Rasa Šuminas, Healthcare Policy Expert**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Šuminas. There has been significant tension surrounding the healthcare reform in Lithuania, with the opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party calling for a halt and a review. What are your thoughts on the current situation?*
**Dr. Šuminas:** Thank you for having me. The current debate highlights the complexities of reforming a healthcare system, especially in a country like Lithuania where public trust and communication are vital. The opposition’s call for a detailed and evidence-based review underscores concerns that many stakeholders have about the adequacy of consultation prior to implementing such sweeping changes.
*Interviewer: The ruling conservatives have rejected these calls for a review, stating that reforms often face resistance. Is resistance a typical outcome in healthcare reform?*
**Dr. Šuminas:** Absolutely. Most systemic reforms in healthcare encounter pushback due to their broad implications for both healthcare providers and patients. The Speaker of the Seimas mentioned the importance of preparing arguments and providing information to those affected. This is crucial — effective communication can help ease fears and misunderstandings, which are common during transitions.
*Interviewer: There have been reports of resignations among managers and doctors, which former Minister Aurelijs Veryga linked to the reform. What might be the implications of such resignations on the healthcare system?*
**Dr. Šuminas:** These resignations can signify deeper issues within the healthcare system, such as dissatisfaction with the direction of the reform or fear of instability. A loss of experienced personnel can lead to operational challenges, particularly in an environment that is already undergoing significant changes. It’s essential that the ministry addresses these concerns transparently to retain the trust of current staff and to ensure continuity in patient care.
*Interviewer: Speaker V. Čmilytė-Nielsen emphasized the need for information and answers from the ministry. How important is transparency during such reforms?*
**Dr. Šuminas:** Transparency is critical. Without it, you risk alienating not only healthcare professionals but also patients who may be apprehensive about changes to the system. Communication must be proactive and comprehensive, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the reasons for the reform, the expected outcomes, and how they will be supported throughout the process. This could alleviate some of the dissatisfaction and confusion that have surfaced recently.
*Interviewer: In closing, what steps would you recommend for both the government and the opposition to move forward collaboratively?*
**Dr. Šuminas:** Both sides need to prioritize open dialogue. The government could invite stakeholder meetings to address concerns and gather input. In parallel, the opposition can play a constructive role by facilitating community forums that bring patient voices into the conversation. A collaborative approach can help bridge gaps and foster a smoother reform process, ultimately benefiting the healthcare system as a whole.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Šuminas, for your insights on this pressing issue in Lithuania’s healthcare landscape.*