Almost a fifth of Lithuanians admit that they have given money or some other reward in exchange for medical services in recent years.
The survey was conducted by the company Baltijos Tyrimai on behalf of the Lithuanian public media.
Doctors and the Special Investigation Service (STT) indicate that the situation is gradually improving, but the “envelope culture” stubbornly does not want to leave the medical field, and this is fueled by long-standing assumptions and low salaries for doctors. Auristida Gerliakienė, a member of the board of the Lithuanian Medical Movement, pointed out that some patients still come to hospitals and clinics with envelopes or even gift bags. The gifts offered vary – from eggs, honey and smoked meat to chocolate, wine and champagne.
Although illegal thanks are generally decreasing, the “envelope culture” is still widespread in Lithuania. Data collected by the Lithuanian Young Doctors Association shows that half of respondents consider the healthcare system to be the most corrupt sector in the country. One in five respondents admitted to offering money to doctors, and one in ten indicated that they had done so in regional hospitals as well. 20% of respondents said that they had been directly asked for money.
The STT emphasized that any material reward, even apples from one’s own garden or a jar of pickles, is illegal if offered in exchange for performing a doctor’s professional duties.
According to the results of the Baltijos Tyrimai survey,
15% of respondents have given money or gifts to medical workers in the recent past.
Three-quarters of respondents have not paid doctors extra, and almost 10% indicated that they have not visited medical institutions at all in recent years. The survey shows that illegal payments are made more often by women than men, as well as by pensioners and people with a household income of less than 1,200 euros per month.
Members of the Lithuanian medical movement emphasize that ongoing reforms of the health system could exacerbate the problem. Gerliakienė pointed out that there is still a strong belief in society that if a doctor is given something, help will be provided faster or of higher quality. She added that illegal payments will not contribute to better health care, but the real risk posed by the “envelope culture” is longer waiting times for everyone.
Irmina Frolova-Milašienė, communications advisor to the Lithuanian Minister of Health, informed that the latest changes in the legislation are intended to make the system more transparent and ensure that patients understand what services they are entitled to. This also applies to the private medical sector.
Corruption in health care can work both ways, and doctors also tend to demand additional remuneration. Benas Aldakauskas, head of the STT Anti-Corruption Education Department, said that both sides should approach the situation directly and not be afraid to seek a solution. He said that patients should report any suspicions of bribery to the hospital management, the police or the STT, and further action will depend on the situation and which party offered or demanded the bribe, and may include initiating disciplinary proceedings or criminal proceedings.
Read the full article in English here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2773089/envelope-culture-persists-patients-in-lithuania-give-gifts-or-cash-for-medical-care
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