The Ministry of National Defence is buying different capacity power generators for hospitals across Lithuania for approx. EUR 4.3 million, as well as gas masks and CBRN protection equipment worth of approx. EUR 300 thousand for medical personnel. Acquisitions mapped out for 2024-2025 shall strengthen medical institutions’ resilience and readiness for looming threats thus preventing disruptions in provision of medical services in case of emergencies.
Proper readiness for likely crises makes one better equipped to effectively respond in case they come. Undisrupted operation of our hospitals in the event of crisis or Day X is critical to every citizen. Medical personnel is the backbone of the society that saves lives in times of crises, therefore their ultimate equipment for crisis response is a national priority,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
According to Minister of Health Aurimas Pečkauskas, provision of equipment and supplies for healthcare institution will significantly contribute to their resilience and readiness for possible emergencies and different threats.
Equipment supply and improved readiness of healthcare institutions is very welcome, yet it is even more important that the investment is accompanied by more consciousness about medical institutions being an element of critical infrastructure and corresponding attention to them. I am certain that the successful cooperation will be continued and result in more than one successfully completed project, thus integrating national healthcare institutions into the defence system,” Minister of National Defence said.
In preparation for potential threats, the Ministry of Health is drafting a norm for fitting the infrastructure against different threats, methodological institution readiness guidelines and other measures which will help institutions in developing their own emergency management plans and improve their readiness.
One of the elements of strengthening readiness for mobilization and war is training courses for healthcare specialists. 6 thousand medical personnel are planned to be trained by 2026, as well as including critical competencies in medical studies syllabuses to ensure an operative and coordinated provision of healthcare services in case of mobilization or war.
The Ministry of Health and healthcare sector are regularly training with the Lithuanian Armed Forces, three have taken place this year already and three more are scheduled by the end of the year. Mechanisms of cooperation and coordination in the event of mobilization or war are refined in meetings with representatives of the Ministry, healthcare institutions and municipalities.
