Healthcare facilities will be required to ensure that civil protection shelters remain ready for use at all times
Health Minister Marija Jakubauskienė has signed an order strengthening the preparedness of healthcare institutions for emergencies. Under the new provisions, healthcare facilities are explicitly required to ensure that any civil protection shelters and enhanced-security rooms on their premises remain continuously accessible, are not obstructed by unnecessary items, are unlocked immediately in the event of a threat (if normally kept locked), and that staff are aware of their locations and access procedures.
The decision was made to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, crisis, or other threat, patients and healthcare workers can quickly and safely reach designated protective facilities.
“Healthcare institutions must be prepared to operate under any circumstances. Civil protection shelters and enhanced-security rooms are not merely a formality—they may become critically important for ensuring the safety of patients and staff. It is therefore essential that these facilities are easily accessible, properly maintained, and that employees clearly understand how to use them,” said Health Minister Marija Jakubauskienė.
“Healthcare institutions must be prepared to operate under any circumstances. Civil protection shelters and enhanced-security rooms are not merely a formality—they may become critically important for ensuring the safety of patients and staff. It is therefore essential that these facilities are easily accessible, properly maintained, and that employees clearly understand how to use them,” said Health Minister Marija Jakubauskienė.
The order does not introduce new requirements for healthcare institutions. Rather, it aims to strengthen the practical implementation of existing emergency preparedness provisions and ensure their consistent application across all healthcare facilities.
Under the order, healthcare institutions must ensure that civil protection shelters and enhanced-security rooms are free of unnecessary items, that access routes to them remain clear and safe, and that staff are informed about their location and procedures for use. Where necessary, additional training on accessing civil protection shelters must be provided to employees.
These measures are expected to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system in times of crisis and help ensure the continued operation of healthcare facilities even under the most challenging circumstances.
Photo: ELTA / Julius Kalinskas