The Lithuanian government plans to increase funding for medical study places to encourage healthcare professionals to work in regional areas.
The Lithuanian health ministry has announced an increase in government-funded medical study places for the academic years 2026-2027, specifically targeting nursing and related fields. For nursing studies, there will be 620 funded places, an increase from 535 in the previous year; nursing assistants will see 900 places compared to 800, and public health and dental hygiene studies are allocated 45 and 10 funded spots, respectively. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of medical professionals across the country, particularly in underserved regions.
Health Ministry Vice-Minister LaimutÄ— VaidelienÄ— expressed hope that the increase in funded study places would encourage medical professionals to work in the regions post-graduation. Additionally, she stated that municipalities would utilize these opportunities by offering scholarships and other incentives to attract professionals to fill job vacancies in essential healthcare roles, alongside improving working conditions.
Starting in 2027, plans include allocating an additional 60 funded spots a year specifically for medical residency programs in regional areas. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure adequate access to medical professionals throughout Lithuania and to tackle workforce shortages that have been a concern in various healthcare sectors, aiming to build a more robust healthcare system overall.
