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, maybe 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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What are the potential impacts of healthcare staff resignations on patient care quality during the reform?
**Interview with Dr. Ingrida Murauskienė, Healthcare Policy Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Murauskienė. Recently, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has called for a halt to the healthcare reform and demanded a detailed review. What are your thoughts on the opposition’s appeal?
**Dr. Murauskienė:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time in Lithuania as we face these systemic changes in healthcare. The opposition’s call for a detailed and public review reflects a concern for transparency and accountability, which many citizens share. It’s essential that reforms are evidence-based and consider the perspectives of healthcare professionals and the public who will be directly affected.
**Editor:** The Speaker of the Seimas mentioned the importance of preparing solid arguments and providing information to those impacted. Do you think the government has communicated this reform effectively?
**Dr. Murauskienė:** I believe there is room for improvement in communication. The Speaker’s remarks suggest that there may have been a lack of comprehensive engagement with stakeholders prior to implementing these changes. When substantial reforms are introduced, it’s crucial that the ministry communicates clearly and proactively to mitigate resistance and confusion among healthcare workers and patients.
**Editor:** There have been reports of resignations among medical staff, which former Minister Aurelijs Veryga attributes to the ongoing reforms. What implications do such resignations have for the healthcare system?
**Dr. Murauskienė:** High turnover among healthcare workers can significantly impact the quality of care. If doctors and managers are resigning due to dissatisfaction with the reforms, it might lead to understaffed facilities and decreased morale among those who remain. This can create a vicious cycle that undermines the very goals of the reform, which are likely intended to improve healthcare delivery.
**Editor:** The current Speaker suggested that questions and dissatisfaction are not to be confused with opposition to the reform itself. How can the government address these concerns without losing momentum on the necessary changes?
**Dr. Murauskienė:** It’s essential for the government to listen and engage with those who have concerns. Town hall meetings, feedback mechanisms, and stakeholder consultations can be effective platforms for discussion. It’s about fostering a dialogue where legitimate concerns can be raised and answered, while also providing a clear picture of the benefits of the reforms. This balanced approach could help maintain momentum while ensuring that the transition is collaborative rather than confrontational.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Murauskienė, for your insights. It seems that the path forward will require careful navigation between reform implementation and public and professional sentiment.
**Dr. Murauskienė:** Absolutely. It’s going to be a challenging but vital process for the future of Lithuanian healthcare. Thank you for having me.
