According to organizations, the claims circulating in the public space that the new legal regulation will improve the situation of patients, reduce queues, and solve the problem of medical staff shortages in regions are unfounded.
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The public statement was initiated by the non-governmental organization “European Life Science & Knowledge Institute” (ELSKI). It was published just over a week after the appeal initiated by ELSKI from 63 organizations to the President of the Republic of Lithuania, requesting a veto of the amendments adopted by the Seimas.
The organizations emphasize that during the legislative process, warnings were repeatedly issued about the possible consequences of the new regulation – restrictions on patients’ rights to choose a healthcare institution and doctor, possible limitations on healthcare professionals’ activities, and insufficient scientific and empirical justification for the proposed solutions. Questions were also raised about the possible non-compliance of the regulation with the Constitution and legislative principles, but according to the authors of the statement, these remarks were not taken into account.
The organizations that signed the statement claim that there is no basis to assert that the adopted amendments were prepared taking into account the proposals of patient organizations or that they will ensure higher quality, more accessible, and faster healthcare services. In their opinion, such claims do not correspond to the positions expressed by patients, medical professionals, the academic community, and experts during the legislative process.
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The statement urges the President to initiate a meeting with representatives of the health community and assess the compliance of the adopted regulation with human rights and legislative principles; the Seimas to conduct an additional impact assessment of the law; and the Ministry of Health to ensure real dialogue with patient and medical organizations.
The public statement initiated by ELSKI is supported by 50 patient, doctor, trade union, and other health sector organizations. According to them, only by involving the health community in decision-making can reforms be implemented that are justified, proportionate, and strengthen public trust in the health system.
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The public statement initiated by the NGO ELSKI is supported by:
- Lithuanian Society of Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Lithuanian Tricycle Sports Association, uniting 18 organizations
- Lithuanian Arthroscopy and Sports Traumatology Association
- Lithuanian Medical Movement
- Lithuanian Republic Chamber of Dentists
- Lithuanian Emergency Medical Workers Trade Union “Solidarity”
- Hearing Impairment Families Community AIDAS
- Association of Premature Newborns “Premature”
- Club “Diabetes IQ”, uniting 15 organizations
- Association of Diagnostic and Treatment Institutions
- Association of Medical Institution Managers
- Lithuanian Union of People with Disabilities
- Lithuanian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Dula Association
- Medical Institution Employees Trade Union “Solidarity”
- Canitherapy Club
- Lithuanian Family Doctors Trade Union
