Ministry of National Defence will purchase CBRN protective equipment and generators for hospitals
The Ministry of National Defence will purchase power generators of various capacities for Lithuanian hospitals for approximately EUR 4.3 million, as well as gas masks and protective clothing for medical staff to protect themselves in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident for approximately EUR 300,000.The planned acquisitions for the period 2024-2025 are aimed at increasing the resilience and preparedness of the country's medical institutions for potential threats, during which the country's hospitals will be able to provide uninterrupted personal health care services.
"Being well prepared for potential crises helps you respond more effectively. The uninterrupted operation of our country's hospitals in times of crisis or at the dawn of Day X is vital for everyone in Lithuania. In times of crisis, medical personnel are the backbone of society, saving lives, and therefore, providing them with the maximum equipment to work in times of crisis is a priority for the state," said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
Equipping medical institutions with equipment and facilities will contribute significantly to their resilience and preparedness for potential emergencies and various threats, said Minister of Health Aurimas Pečkauskas.
"The provision of equipment and better preparedness of medical institutions is encouraging, but even more important is the fact that with the investment comes the realisation that medical institutions are part of the critical infrastructure and that they are given the attention they need. I believe that the smooth cooperation will continue and will lead to a number of successful projects, thus integrating our country's medical facilities into the defence system," said the Health Minister.
In order to prepare for potential threats, the Ministry of Health is working on a standard for adapting infrastructure to different threats, methodological guidelines for preparedness of institutions, and other measures to help institutions prepare their emergency management plans and improve their preparedness.
Training for health professionals is also being organised to strengthen mobilisation and war preparedness. Training of 6,000 medical staff is planned by 2026, as well as the inclusion of critical competences for the rapid and coordinated delivery of health services during mobilisation or war in medical curricula.
The Ministry of Health and health sector institutions periodically participate in joint exercises with the military, with three such exercises having already taken place this year and more planned before the end of the year. Mechanisms for cooperation and coordination in the event of war or mobilisation are being developed in joint meetings with representatives of the Ministry, medical institutions and municipalities.