Lithuania to use budget reserves to cover 85 million euros in over-budget healthcare services

Lithuanian healthcare institutions provided over-budget services totaling 85 million euros during the first half of the year. Of this amount, 40.6 million euros was provided in the first quarter and 44.4 million euros in the second quarter.

Stationary active treatment services accounted for approximately 70 percent of these costs, totaling 59.6 million euros. Regional and district hospitals provided 19.2 million euros worth of such services during the same period. The Ministry of Health warned that failure to pay for second-quarter services could strain the financial position of medical institutions and impact healthcare accessibility.

The government has instructed the Ministry of Health and the State Compulsory Health Insurance Fund to audit institutions with the highest levels of over-budget services. Additionally, the Ministry will initiate legislative changes to prevent the potential misuse of funds. Starting in 2027, new contract procedures will be implemented for private institutions, and most over-budget services will no longer be reimbursed, except for a specific limited list.