Polish-Lithuanian cooperation to support the accessibility and quality of medical services in the Białystok County and Švenčionys Municipality (B-S Health Care)
Project number:
LTPL00174
Project status:
Ongoing
Call:
1
Priority:
2. Promoting physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing
Specific objective:
2.1 - Ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems, including primary care, and promoting the transition from institutional to family and community based care
Date:
From: 2024.04.01 Till: 2026.09.30
Project summary:
The project addresses a shared challenge in the Polish-Lithuanian border region—ensuring equal access to medical care in rural areas, particularly for the elderly, and improving early detection of gastrointestinal cancers. Rural areas in Białystok County (PL) and Švenčionys Municipality (LT) face limited medical infrastructure, low awareness of preventive screenings, and inadequate healthcare services due to underfunded facilities and staff shortages.
The project aims to establish a healthcare system that provides both basic and specialist medical services using modern equipment, supported by trained medical personnel. Mobile medical services, including a specialised medical vehicle, will bring care to people who cannot easily reach healthcare facilities due to age, disability, social isolation, or transport barriers. In addition, an endoscopy laboratory will be developed in Poland, enabling quality specialist examinations. Public awareness campaigns and preventive programmes will further promote health and early disease detection.
The cross-border cooperation allows Polish and Lithuanian medical facilities to exchange knowledge and best practices. Study visits will enable Polish specialists to learn from Lithuania’s mobile medical services model, while Lithuanian staff gain experience with endoscopy procedures. This innovative exchange will improve healthcare accessibility and quality for all residents in the border region, introducing new solutions that can be replicated in both countries.
Lead Partner:
Bialystok County
Lead Partner region:
Białostocki subregion
Project Partner(s):
Independent Public Health Care Centre in Łapy; Švenčionys District Health Center
Total project budget:
644.206,49
ERDF:
515.365,18
Does the project contribute to the implementation of the EU BSRS?
Yes