Students are once again attacked by medical institutions

As every year, with the start of the new academic year, students are tempted to re-enroll in

new medical institutions. The Lithuanian Students' Union has received many applications from students,

which states that medical staff greet students upon arrival at the university

school, dormitories or even during lectures.

According to students, medical institution employees often present themselves as members of the student government.

members or lecturers and strongly suggest transferring to the medical institution they recommend. For students

If they answer that they are already registered at another healthcare facility, they are given a false answer.

information that it is possible to be on the lists of two institutions. Students are also tempted by various

discounts, gifts and other promotions for new customers. And the

Students describe the behavior of institution employees as at least unethical.

The Lithuanian Students' Union contacted the State Health Insurance Funds to inform them about

problem and requesting an explanation. An explanation was received that in the currently valid

The legislation does not provide any restrictions, rules or recommendations as to the treatment

institutions (public and private) could advertise and publicize their services to the public

services and increase the number of its patients. How does the medical institution inform the public,

How patients are invited to become their clients is a decision for each medical institution.

According to Lina Bušinskaitė, Head of the Public Relations Department of the State Health Insurance Fund,

every student is an adult with a clear opinion and is willing to learn it

presented in a reasoned manner. Therefore, each young person should decide for themselves whether they need or

there is no need to change the medical institution where he could register and receive the necessary outpatient services

primary level services.

"It's not bad for a student to have a medical facility in the city where they study. However, the problem

occurs when medical institution employees misinform students about

the existing procedures and, usually coming from another city, young people are lured into

another medical institution. It is even worse when the final result means that the student no longer knows where he/she should go.

to contact in case of an emergency,” said Paulius Baltokas, President of the Student Union.

Considering the current situation, the Lithuanian Students' Union appealed to the Ministry of Health

the Ministry of Defense and the State Health Insurance Funds for managing such a situation in other

in the year.