Prevention of corruption in the healthcare sector: principles, measures, and their implementation in the healthcare system of Lithuania

Abstract

Corruption in the healthcare sector is an extremely negative social phenomenon that harms society and every member thereof. Unfortunately, the healthcare system in Lithuania is considered the most corrupt. For this reason, this study was conducted to determine how Lithuanian healthcare institutions implement the measures and principles of corruption prevention established in the Law on Prevention of Corruption of the Republic of Lithuania. The analysis showed that institutions generally comply with the requirements of the law, but the measures applied differ in scope, and, consequently, do not ensure uniform prevention of corruption in the entire healthcare sector. To that end, it was suggested that Lithuanian healthcare institutions take into account the recommendations presented in the article. At the same time, some of the good practices of other European Union states in the fight against corruption are presented in the article, seeking to suggest positive examples that could help to improve Lithuanian corruption prevention in healthcare sector. The proposals presented are related to promoting the integrity of healthcare system workers, improving the anti-corruption environment, by increasing the cooperation of entities in the identification of corruption and its risks, and creating conditions for potential actors of corruption that would encourage them not to commit or discourage them from committing corrupt activities.