Lithuanian parliamentary committee backs closure of Kaunas Christian Maternity Hospital

A Lithuanian parliamentary committee has supported the closure of the Kaunas Christian Maternity Hospital, despite a petition signed by over 11,000 residents calling for its preservation, LRT reports.

The Seimas (parliament) Health Affairs Committee (SRK) on Tuesday backed a proposal to reorganise the facility, citing economic factors and the need for budget savings. Committee member Jurgita Sejonienė stated that Kaunas already has two strong medical institutions capable of providing obstetric services to both city and regional residents.

“I understand the sensitivity of this issue. Obstetrics is very important for families and newborns, but the economic factor here is crucial. Savings are needed in all areas, as demands continue to grow,” Sejonienė said, presenting her draft decision. She added that patient safety and medical qualifications were also key considerations, noting that the hospital’s director had assured the committee that efforts would be made to retain staff and maintain the institution’s approach to childbirth and pregnancy care.

Rimas Jonas Jankūnas, representing the Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union faction, agreed with the decision but emphasised the need to preserve the hospital’s personnel and review reimbursement rates for natural childbirth under government programmes.

“The main point of agreement is the goal of retaining staff. Further, there is a government programme provision to increase these reimbursements, which do not currently cover costs. It would be desirable for this to be included,” Jankūnas said, presenting his own proposal. He also noted that such maternity hospitals serve as an intermediate option between home births and hospital deliveries, suggesting the model itself should be reconsidered for preservation.

The committee ultimately approved Sejonienė’s proposal, incorporating Jankūnas’ recommendations. The Christian Maternity Hospital, part of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) Kaunas Hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, currently includes obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatology, and anaesthesiology resuscitation units, as well as outpatient consultations and a day hospital. Its obstetric services are set to be transferred to other LSMU Kaunas Hospital clinics starting in September.