„We have analysed Lithuania’s 10 largest cities and their hospitals, how they are prepared. (&) Seven out of 14 were assessed positively and 7 others satisfactorily. None were evaluated negatively,“ Vitkauskas told public radio LRT on Thursday.
He added that the minimum requirement for hospitals to have supplies for 30 day has been ensured, but it is sought to secure supplies for 90 days.
Main deficiencies that have been identified are related to the amount of available medicines, personal protective equipment, food stocks and guaranteed supply of electricity.
„All of these hospitals have electricity generators, but some have just one while others have 12. There are discrepancies,“ stated Vitkauskas.
He added that medical staff has to be assigned to a specific hospital and these must have personnel reserves, whereas every medic has to know which his primary workplace is in case of an emergency.
Plans have been established and deadlines set to remedy the identified deficiencies and funding has been foreseen for that in the civil protection programme, additional funding is also guaranteed by the Ministry of Health.
The NKVC started operating in spring 2023. It is tasked to ensure effective management of emergency situations in case of a crisis. It prepares data- and analysis-based proposals for decision-makers, ensures their implementation and inter-institutional coordination.
The NKVC also carries out 24/7 monitoring of threats to Lithuania’s national security interests. Its main functions include constant monitoring of threats based on real-time data analysis, promptly advising authorities about impending emergencies or those that have occurred and initiating response to threats or crises.