Overview

Since the early 2000s changes in the health system in Lithuania have focused mainly on gaining efficiency in service provision. This includes developing primary care, expanding ambulatory and day care services, and restructuring outpatient and inpatient services. The most progress has been achieved in primary care and day care services, while overreliance on inpatient care still remains. At the same time, the strain put on providers by cuts in service funding, as a result of the financial crisis, has created concerns over financial viability and quality of services in the longer term. The next step is to put in place effective instruments, incentives and measurable goals that nurture change, build transparency and accountability, and gain the trust of health professionals and patients.