In her article, Annika Oja, the director of the Estonian Patients' Union, critiques the current state of mandatory liability insurance for healthcare providers in Estonia. Introduced over a year ago, this insurance requirement aimed to offer patients a viable path to compensation in cases of serious medical errors. However, Oja points out that after a year of experience, many patients feel that the system is not functioning as effectively or fairly as intended, raising concerns over its actual benefits.

Oja emphasizes that while the initiative was initially a necessary step toward accountability in healthcare, the realities of its implementation have fallen short. Patients are increasingly frustrated by the perception that their rights to timely and just compensation are being undermined by inefficiencies in the system. The alleged shortcomings of the insurance process not only affect patients seeking redress but also potentially impact the overall trust in healthcare services.

The article calls for a reassessment of the insurance framework to ensure it meets the needs of patients adequately. Oja's concerns signal a need for healthcare reform that prioritizes patient welfare and ensures that systems are in place to protect their rights effectively, highlighting ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector in Estonia.