Joller said that Estonian healthcare is currently in crisis. In three years, the money will run out, and every year there is a deficit of hundreds of millions of euros. Therefore, major changes are needed. If changes are not made, healthcare funding will have to be reduced by 10 percent. This is not good news because it is already difficult to get to a doctor now.
Joller said that simply bringing more money will not help. The system needs to be changed. She suggests that the referral letter should be an e-consultation. This means that patients' problems will be prioritized. Those with more serious concerns will get to a doctor faster. Those with less serious concerns may have to wait longer. This way, a situation where a less sick person gets to a doctor faster than a more seriously ill person will not arise.
Joller said that healthcare needs clear goals. Currently, the goals are described too generally. Hospital managers find it difficult because they do not know what is expected of them. She also said that medical assistance does not always have to be fast. Sometimes there is enough time. What is important is that people get to the doctor at the right time. A person cannot always assess when they need to see a doctor. Here, doctors need to trust more.
Joller said that people's expectations of medicine are very high. Now, people turn to doctors differently than 20 years ago. She said that we need to look in the mirror and admit that we cannot handle everything. Doctors need to be able to assess when a person needs help and when help can be obtained from another specialist.
Joller said that it is difficult to get money for healthcare from the state budget. Sometimes it is necessary to look towards private money as well. She does not want more and more doctors to leave the state system for the private system. She said that doctors see that their work in the state system is often inefficient and poorly organized. For example, a neurosurgeon teaches exercise to a person with back pain. This should not be the task of a neurosurgeon.
Joller said that if a doctor feels that they are doing important work, they are satisfied and will not leave the system. She said that before making major decisions, she will meet with doctors and discuss things with them.