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 transformation 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 specific measures will the government implement to improve communication regarding the healthcare reform?
**Interview with V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas on the Healthcare Reform Debate**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen. Recently, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has called for a halt to the ongoing healthcare reform. What is your response to their appeal?
**Čmilytė-Nielsen:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to recognize that resistance is a natural part of any major reform process, especially one as significant as this. The changes we’re implementing in the healthcare network are systemic and broad, and I believe it’s crucial for the Ministry to effectively communicate the rationale and information about these changes to those who will be directly affected.
**Editor:** You mentioned the need for proper communication. Do you think the Ministry has effectively conveyed the reasons behind this reform?
**Čmilytė-Nielsen:** From what I gather, there have been some communication gaps. It appears that the information sharing could have been more robust prior to initiating these changes. It’s vital for stakeholders to feel informed and engaged in the process.
**Editor:** There have been reports of resignations among managers and medical professionals attributed to the reform. How do you view this situation?
**Čmilytė-Nielsen:** While it’s true that we are experiencing changes in personnel, I would urge caution in linking these resignations directly to the reform. Yes, there are questions and dissatisfaction, but we must not conflate this with the underlying structural changes. It’s essential for us to analyze these situations independently.
**Editor:** In light of the opposition’s criticism and public concerns, what steps do you think the government should take moving forward?
**Čmilytė-Nielsen:** Moving forward, the government needs to ensure that there is a clear and transparent dialogue with the public and stakeholders. This means providing evidence-based assessments of the reform’s impacts and listening to the concerns raised by both healthcare professionals and citizens. Engaging with those affected will be key to navigating the complexities of this reform successfully.
**Editor:** Thank you, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen, for sharing your insights on this important topic.
**Čmilytė-Nielsen:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep this conversation going as we work towards a better healthcare system for all.
