Lithuanian patients utilized state-funded transport services nearly 38,000 times in the past year, predominantly for specialized outpatient care and hospital returns.
According to data from the services, patients were transported approximately 38,000 times with state funding over the past year. Of these, around 21,000 trips were made to healthcare facilities for specialized outpatient services, highlighting a significant reliance on state support for accessing medical care. Additionally, nearly 7,000 transports facilitated patient returns from hospitals to their homes, underscoring the importance of continuity of care in patient management.
Chemotherapy patients made up a notable portion of the figures, with 5,300 transports specifically for their treatment. Moreover, nearly 2,500 trips were arranged for outpatient rehabilitation services, reflecting a growing demand for post-hospitalization care. The report also mentions that up to 1,000 patients were transported to health and care day services and for transfers from homes to hospitals, indicating a comprehensive transportation network supporting various healthcare needs.
Rasa Atkočiūnienė, head of the hotline 1808, pointed out that the majority of transports were directed towards healthcare facilities in Vilnius and Kaunas, the two largest cities in Lithuania. However, there was also a notable demand for services from smaller municipalities such as Biržai, Joniškis, Marijampolė, Mažeikiai, and Kėdainiai. Remarkably, one individual used this transportation service a staggering 91 times within the year, with several others relying on it 60 to 70 times, showcasing both the necessity and the effectiveness of the state-supported transport services in Lithuania.
