Health reform in Lithuania for the value to the patient

Abstract

The article provided discusses the importance of health as a human value and the foundation of life, highlighting the challenges and different attitudes of stakeholders towards the healthcare system. It specifically focuses on the case of Lithuania and its healthcare reform, seeking to increase value for patients. Lithuania has faced issues with its healthcare system, leading to relatively low life expectancy compared to the EU average. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted life expectancy negatively. The main causes of preventable mortality include: ineffective primary care; bureaucratic obstacles; limited access to specialized care; and inadequate health safety measures. To improve healthcare quality, the study suggests several steps, including data analysis, setting targets, improving accessibility, patient involvement and collaboration among healthcare organizations. The public health policy priorities for 2021-2030 in Lithuania aim to increase social well-being, strengthen health and improve the demographic situation by promoting health conservation, lifestyle changes and reducing disparities between regions. The restructuring of healthcare institutions is crucial, to ensuring basic health services for the population, coordinating provision and improving emergency care. The results of the healthcare system transformation are expected to lead to better quality of life and health indicators, earlier diagnosis of illnesses and improved outpatient care. The study outlines specific benefits expected from improving health prevention and promotion, healthcare quality and access, such as increased early cancer diagnosis, reduced stroke mortality and improved emergency ambulance response times, setting the network of health care institutions and improving competencies of medical staff. The goal is to provide high-quality and safe healthcare services to all residents of Lithuania, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, leading to improved health outcomes for the population.