Due to changes in the network of healthcare facilities based on a competence centre and regional cooperation model, the patient transportation scheme was introduced in the Lithuanian healthcare system. A one-year pilot project was implemented in one-third of municipalities in 2023, progressively reaching all target groups, starting with those in need of transplantation or haemodialysis services and then moving on to low-income individuals 75 years of age and older, as well as disabled individuals eligible for reimbursement for prescription drugs. The service has been expanded for all 60 municipalities since July 2024, and by the end of 2024, 40,000 patient transport services have been provided.
The transport services have primarily been funded through the government budget programmes. In 2025, it became transparent that the scheme is not sustanable due to lack of funding due to the volume of services and the average cost per trip (€98.85 in 2025) surpassing the initial projections. The Ministry of Health asked €4.2 million in addition to €8.7 million already allocated to make up the difference; however, additional funding is uncertain. As a result, from the end of May 2025, the service is only provided to immobile patients and in cases of transplantation, while service to other patient groups was suspended. Plans are underway for improving the patient transport funding scheme.