Lithuania and Poland’s cross-border cooperation has been marked by a shared dedication to tackling mutual challenges and strengthening regional development. In response to discrepancies in healthcare accessibility along the Polish-Lithuanian border, combined efforts in healthcare services became critical. This good practice article highlights the efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and services, especially for marginalized groups like mothers, children, and socially excluded families, thereby promoting inclusivity and well-being throughout border regions.

What

In early 2017, the two countries joined forces for the inception of two projects in the health sector aiming to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services in the Polish-Lithuanian border regions, particularly targeting mothers and children. The "Improvement of Health Care for Children in the Lithuanian and Polish Border Region" project aimed to enhance healthcare services for children by providing support to medical institutions in Białystok, Marijampolė, Alytus, and Suwałki. Through the acquisition of new equipment and the modernization of pediatric surgery departments, the project sought to improve the accessibility and quality of medical services for young patients, reducing social exclusion and promoting preventive health goals. Additionally, collaborative efforts with educational institutions, social organizations, and NGOs aimed to raise awareness and disseminate knowledge through workshops and online resources, ensuring a wider reach of project outcomes. 

Similarly, the "Healthy Mother and Child" pilot cross-border health care project addressed the unequal access to high-quality medical services for mothers and children in the Polish-Lithuanian borderland. By implementing preventive actions, enhancing infrastructure, providing training for medical personnel, and facilitating knowledge exchange, the project aimed to foster cooperation among healthcare institutions and improve access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations. The overall objective was to develop a comprehensive healthcare system that offered equal opportunities for mothers and children, thereby enhancing the region's quality of life.

Both projects leveraged cross-border cooperation to achieve their objectives. Through strategic partnerships, training sessions, experience-sharing meetings, and collaborative research initiatives, these initiatives facilitated knowledge exchange and capacity building among healthcare professionals. Furthermore, educational workshops and seminars engaged children and youth in promoting preventive health behaviors, fostering a culture of wellness and disease prevention from an early age

Who

The institutions involved in the implementation of "Healthy Mother and Child" Project are as follows:

Dr Ludwik Rydygier Voivodeship Hospital in Suwałki, Poland (Lead Partner) and the Public Institution Marijampole Hospital in Lithuania.

As for the "Improvement of Healthcare for Children" Project: four partners came together: 

Provincial Complex Hospital named after Jędrzej Śniadecki in Białystok (Lead Partner), Dr Ludwik Rydygier Voivodeship Hospital in Suwałki, Alytus County S.Kudirka hospital, and the Public institution Marijampole Hospital in Lithuania.

The primary beneficiaries of these projects are mothers, children, families facing social exclusion, medical professionals, and stakeholders in the healthcare sector.

Where

The projects activities are primarily located in the Polish-Lithuanian borderland, which spans 104km, with specific focus areas including, Marijampolė and Alytus in Lithuania, and Białystok and Suwałki in Poland.

How

Each project had a budget of €1M and was co-financed by the ERDF by 85%, through the 2014 - 2020 INTERREG V-A Lithuania – Poland Programme.

Results

Through these two projects, Lithuania and Poland have achieved significant milestones, including the acquisition of essential medical equipment, the provision of training for medical professionals, and the dissemination of educational materials on health promotion. By leveraging EU funding sources, these projects have made tangible improvements in healthcare access and outcomes for the everyday lives of mothers, children, and communities in the Polish-Lithuanian border regions.