The 2024 Report by the Minister of Health on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-03-19 12:01
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 102
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 55m
AI Summaries: 102/102 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
This agenda item concerned the Minister of Health's 2024 report on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035." The procedural arrangement was: the minister's presentation, up to 30 minutes, followed by the opportunity for Members of Parliament to ask one question, and after that, a round of negotiations between the parliamentary factions. No decision is to be adopted. A preparatory guideline was presented, the main objective of which is discussion and fundamental agreements, not the final adoption of any decision today. Furthermore, it was indicated that a thorough democratic discussion and cross-sectoral cooperation will follow later, in order to continue health promotion and the state's long-term disease prevention in the future.
Decisions Made 1
The sitting was extended until the agenda was completed, but no later than 14:00. The Riigikogu made the decision collectively following a vote: 55 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention.
Most Active Speaker
Tanel Kiik (formerly of the Social Democratic Party) spoke the most and took the lead during the speaking time, indicating strong participation and an engaging, influential role in the debates. His role was to speak on behalf of the left wing (the Left Front), and he strongly championed the discussion and submission of proposals concerning health funding and solutions to core problems.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This address outlines the procedure for the Minister of Health’s 2024 presentation to the Riigikogu concerning the implementation of the state’s long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035." The presentation will be up to 30 minutes long, followed by one question allowed per Riigikogu member, then discussions among the parliamentary factions, and notably, no decision will be adopted. We now invite the honorable Riina Sikkut to the rostrum.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut points out that Estonia has made significant strides in improving healthy life years and health behavior. However, future progress is expected to be slow, and the country faces challenges such as obesity, prevention strategies, mental health, the scarcity of general practitioners (GPs), and the sustainability of financing. Addressing these issues will require close cooperation and reforms to the healthcare system.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the allotted time had expired, and asked the Minister and his colleagues to wrap up their points in a couple of minutes and continue discussing their unexpressed thoughts during the subsequent Q&A session.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut answered in the affirmative and said that it would be three minutes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi requests three additional minutes.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasizes that the additional funding will lead to shorter treatment waiting lists, smaller co-payments, salary increases for healthcare workers, and accessible new medicines and services, and that ensuring the sustainability of healthcare requires prevention and a healthy living environment for children, because we are all responsible for our health, both collectively and individually.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Many thanks to the Minister. Now it is time for colleagues to ask questions, and the fastest person to respond, as expected, is Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart emphasizes that the sugar tax is not an adequate solution and asks why comprehensive measures to improve children's health are not being implemented alongside it (such as increasing school lunch support, promoting children's physical activity, and lowering the VAT on fruits and vegetables), and whether there is a plan to solve the problem holistically.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut noted that Estonia has been engaged in prevention efforts for decades: movement is being increased in schools through the Active School program (Liikuma Kutsuv Kool), school meals are organized to offer fewer choices but higher quality, and the sugar tax aims to reduce children's energy consumption and incentivize producers to modify recipes so that healthier options are accessible to everyone.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Tanel Kiik to speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asks the Minister of Health whether expanding private health insurance is a silver bullet for solving the funding shortage in the health sector, or if it will rather deepen inequality in access to medical care compared to universal healthcare.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
In Estonia, private health insurance is unnecessary. This is because the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) maintains administrative costs below 1% and funds treatment based on solidarity. Private health insurance, on the other hand, would increase costs, lead to vertical contracting, and exacerbate inequality. Consequently, it is advisable to use primary care services—the family doctor and family nurse—and only consult a specialist via referral from the family doctor.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman asks Aivar Sõerd to take the floor.
Aivar Sõerd
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Sõerd said that simply adding more money will not solve the problems of the healthcare system, and he highlighted the poor state of medicine availability in Estonia, where only about a fifth of the medicines approved by the EU reach the market and domestic procedures are slow. He then asked why this long-standing problem has been ignored and what steps have been taken to rectify it.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that despite the shortage of family doctors, primary care must be strengthened, and we must ensure that health expenditures are reasonable and accessibility is good. She added that European-level pharmaceutical reforms—featuring centralized marketing authorization, a long regulatory protection period, and early market access for generic medicines—help small markets and accelerate the availability of medicines for patients.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Eduard Odinets to the stage.
Eduard Odinets
AI Summary
Eduard Odinets addresses Riina with two questions: how men in Ida-Viru could achieve the same lifespan as others, and whether and how to expand health insurance to achieve universal coverage. He also asks whether this would entail significant costs or if it would constitute a long-term investment in public health.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stressed the importance of universal health insurance and preventative care, such as family doctor and nutritional counseling, to reduce the growth of diseases and ER costs, and to improve people's coping ability and quality of life. This is because the current system tends to cover expensive, life-saving interventions rather than simple, evidence-based care, which is both humanly and economically sensible.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
At the beginning of the address, Urmas Kruuse is requested to come to the stand.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse stated that he disagreed with the minister’s assertion that 100 million is insignificant, noting that the deficit will already reach 147 million by 2025. He stressed that an individual’s own involvement and behavior are often more crucial than simply providing extra funding. He then questioned why introducing a drug to the market in just one EU country prevents the market from operating effectively across all member states. Furthermore, he pointed out the influence of education on longer life expectancy and suggested that it might be wiser to divert less money from the Health Insurance Fund and invest more heavily in education, arguing that this approach could yield significant savings.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut said that the registration of medicines in the European Union is centrally regulated, but funding decisions and price agreements are within the competence of the member states. She added that although additional funding for education is important, healthcare urgently requires an additional volume of funding of at least 150 million by 2025 to maintain the level of service, improve the accessibility of medical care, expand health insurance, and move towards universal health coverage.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Urve Tiidus to speak.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The family doctor plays a key role in health promotion and disease prevention, but the system is riddled with issues—the shortage of young GPs and funding problems—and the question is being asked: what is the formula for the successful operation of this primary gatekeeper system, and could a virtual family doctor be the solution.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasized increasing the training of family doctors, alongside boosting the involvement of general practitioners and expanding the role of nurses. She also highlighted bringing additional specialists into health centers, broadening pharmacy services (including smoking cessation counseling and vaccination), incorporating occupational health doctors, and establishing a robust nationwide network so that people can resolve the majority of their health issues at a health center near their home.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Liina Kersna to speak.
Liina Kersna
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Liina Kersna emphasizes that science-based measures, such as increasing physical activity in schools and delaying the start of the school day, improve learning outcomes and mental health. However, she notes that the number of suicides has not fallen and asks how much and in what way investment is being made into suicide prevention compared to other prevention programs.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that physical activity improves mental health, and the required level of activity must be ensured during school days. However, a systemic strategy for suicide prevention is currently being finalized. This strategy encompasses the media (including the Papageno Award), school specialists, and student assessment questionnaires, and its objective is to reverse the current trend and reduce the number of youth suicides.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi mentioned Kristina Šmigun-Vähi.
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi expressed joy that children and youth are a priority, emphasized the need for state intervention at the school and kindergarten level, and proposed banning sugary drinks in schools, while also questioning whether the increased corporate health insurance tax rate in Latvia might motivate employees to invest more in their health.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stresses that while tax breaks exist for employee health, given the current budget situation, the focus must shift to early intervention and prevention in both the workplace and schools. This is crucial for reducing overload and burnout, improving collegial relations, and raising employers' awareness of what steps to take to maintain mental health—and this shouldn't be limited solely to financial spending.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called upon Andre Hanimägi to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi highlights the effect of underfunding in healthcare on the ability to see a doctor, and questions whether the state can better secure healthcare provision through systemic changes and stronger guidance directed at hospitals and physicians.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasizes that in small Estonia, healthcare must be collaborative, and patients' treatment pathways need to be better managed. Additional funding should be directed toward behavioral change and achieving improved health outcomes. Furthermore, remuneration must be based on the patient's experience and the results achieved, rather than the procedures performed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Vice-Chairman invites Jaak Aab to take the floor.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab raised concerns regarding the increasing patient co-payments in healthcare, noting that these costs now cover a growing portion of specialist medical care, in addition to medications and dental treatment. He then asked what the appropriate rate and reasonable level should be, based on comparisons with other countries, to ensure that out-of-pocket expenses do not become excessive.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasizes that Estonia’s patient out-of-pocket share of healthcare costs is about 22%, which places the elderly and patients with chronic diseases at risk of poverty. She stresses that, in pursuit of a better and fairer system, it is necessary to increase taxpayer funding, offer more accessible appointments and e-consultations, and reduce the financial burden of healthcare services paid for directly by individuals.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Kersti Sarapuu to speak.
Kersti Sarapuu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kersti Sarapuu emphasized the importance of special welfare services, praised the heartfelt work of the non-profit organization "Me Hoolime Sinust" operating in Järva County, and their round-the-clock assistance for children with special needs and the elderly, and asked how to finance these projects and implement them in all counties.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut acknowledged that although there are good initiatives across Estonia, such as "Me Hoolime Sinust" (We Care About You), less money has been allocated to healthcare than in other countries. Furthermore, special welfare services are still in a dire state and require additional investments, as this concerns people who do not have a strong voice, and it is fundamentally a question of society's compassion and providing respite for their loved ones.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Irja Lutsar.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar is asking the minister how the growing role of pharmacies in patient care—including vaccination, lipid measurement, and prescription renewals—will be addressed, as she believes this expansion could dilute the medical system. She is awaiting the minister's official position on the matter.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut said that the density of the pharmacy network should be used to expand healthcare services by offering vaccinations, medication counseling, and addiction counseling in pharmacies, and by increasing the role of pharmacists and nurses in renewing prescriptions via e-GP, but more complex analyses and counseling will remain in health centers.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Vadim Belobrovtsev to come and speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is asking where the 150 million euros for healthcare funding next year, and 250 million euros by 2027, will come from, considering that 10 million for teachers’ salaries cannot be found and the budget deficit is around 400 million euros. He suggests that his colleagues might respond to this by saying: "Are you kidding me?"
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stressed that raising taxes—specifically implementing a progressive income tax—is essential for funding healthcare and social welfare. Without this measure, up to 100,000 people would be left without treatment, and both labor productivity and economic growth would suffer. Meanwhile, increased defense spending could be financed through a national defense tax, and a portion of the funds currently allocated for ammunition could be redirected to healthcare and social welfare.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Margit Sutrop to speak.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Although Estonian healthcare services are of a high standard, the main source of dissatisfaction stems from the accessibility of medical care. Furthermore, the number of doctors could decrease by about 10% in the coming years. Consequently, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tartu is planning to increase training. A similar shortage is evident among nurses, and particularly among psychiatrists and radiologists, meaning that a readiness to significantly increase training programs is necessary to address this.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
To ensure that individuals with specialized education can enter the healthcare sector, the demand for training has increased for both nurses and doctors. However, there is insufficient capacity for this volume growth. Therefore, there is a need to additionally train clinical assistants, medical secretaries, nutrition counselors, and addiction counselors. Furthermore, residency and basic medical training slots must be allocated more strategically to address shortages in specific specialties, such as psychiatry, family medicine, rehabilitation, and geriatrics—shortages that will be addressed through evidence-based models jointly planned and implemented by the state and Europe.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik asks the minister whether it is correct that, seeing the increase in the number of overweight students, the government is considering a soda and sugar tax, while simultaneously withdrawing support for extracurricular activities intended for large families.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that she does not know the details of the specific support mechanisms, and they do not fall within her budget, but it is essential to consider various support measures so that children can participate in extracurricular activities—whether through hobby education support provided by the Ministry of Education and Research or via support for extracurricular activities for large families. The state must intervene in this matter because participation rates are higher for children from better socio-economic backgrounds and lower for those from weaker backgrounds, although she cannot currently propose a specific mechanism.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi requested that Anti Allas be given the floor.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas expresses concern over smartphone addiction, highlighting the often-prevailing silence during school recesses and the presence of attention disorders. He also brings up parental phone usage and the associated health risks, including lack of physical activity, vision problems, and weight gain, and asks what systematic steps must be taken at the state level to combat this pandemic.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasizes the need to create a developmental environment for children where smart devices do not interfere with concentration, and that their use in schools should be restricted outside of class time. This must involve parents and school leaders in developing sensible guidelines, ensuring children receive the necessary verbal communication, physical activity, and social development.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov is called upon to speak.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov expressed concern regarding youth obesity, citing indicators from the Estonian children’s growth study (31% are overweight; every third boy and every fourth girl). He criticized the sweetened beverages tax as an ineffective solution and emphasized that overweightness stems from the balance between calorie consumption and expenditure, concluding by asking the Minister of Health for a unified state message and assistance from other ministers in solving this problem.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasizes that protecting children's health must be achieved through the funding of local food production and school meals, and that a sugar tax on sodas should be used to reduce their energy intake and improve dental health. However, she stresses that this requires close cooperation among all ministries.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski to take the floor.
Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
It is a major problem for Estonia that hundreds of young people drop out of school annually, largely due to mental health issues. The speaker therefore asks the Minister of Health whether the number of children suffering from serious mental health problems has increased in recent years, and what steps are planned to remedy the situation.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Following COVID, children have experienced increased anxiety and depression, especially among girls, which is why school intervention is crucial, involving a school psychologist or school nurse, and directing students towards self-help resources; the Health Insurance Fund is funding online counseling services starting this year. Young people feel comfortable online, and initial contact can be made remotely, after which in-person appointments may also take place. Extending compulsory schooling from 16 to 18 should ensure that these students receive continuous support and a diploma within the school environment, and it will improve health literacy, which is valued later on.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Riina Solman is called to the stage.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman accuses the minister of withdrawing funding for extracurricular activities for large families. She asks for the money to be returned and suggests considering its use—via a sugar tax—to improve children's health and reduce obesity, emphasizing that the support was specifically targeted at rural areas and families with four children.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that she does not favor earmarking the revenue from the sugar tax or soda tax specifically for children's health initiatives, nor does she support losing the freedom to compile the budget. However, she stressed the necessity of additional funding for extracurricular activities that promote children's health and physical activity, ensuring that children from economically disadvantaged families are not excluded from sports. Furthermore, she is prepared to allocate funds toward these specific goals when discussing supplementary applications.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi turned to Aleksandr Tšaplõgin and said, "Please!"
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Chaplygin asks why discussing children's health should necessarily mean new taxes, and suggests considering lowering taxes on healthy food (for example, on fruits and vegetables) or increasing funding for school meals.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut said that school food can be improved even with the current funding, but if the budget improves, more money should be allocated there. The primary work, however, involves shaping children's physical activity and promoting a healthier diet outside of the tax system. The tax on sweetened beverages is an additional tool for reducing sugar, and other supporting measures must also be implemented so that children grow up healthy and prevention helps contain healthcare costs.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a short address to Toomas Uibo, asking him to speak.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Toomas Uibo thanked the chair of the session and the rapporteur, and expressed satisfaction that the Health Board will conduct an audit of the helicopter service for ambulance flights by the end of the year. He then asked the minister whether the study places the patient's needs at the center and whether reforming the service is viable, despite claims that there are few flights and the service is expensive.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
The analysis is still in its initial phase; while patient interests must be taken into account, the state requires a holistic perspective and fiscal prudence, and the emergency medical service must maintain a patient-centric approach.
Toomas Kivimägi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi turns to Aivar Kokk with a request.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk called for more analysis of developments over the last three to four years than was offered in the presentation, asking whether the cause was rising taxes or poor management. He noted the Health Insurance Fund's 2.4 billion budget increase and 7–10% annual growth, and posed two questions: whether too large a portion of the money is going toward concrete (construction) and paying off loans, and whether the emphasis on education is a problem, because perhaps uneducated people perform harder labor.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut pointed out that indicators of risk behavior and health behavior have worsened, and that the mental health of young people is linked to distance learning, COVID, and the war. She also argued that lowering the alcohol excise duty will increase alcohol-related deaths and associated harms. Furthermore, although the budget is growing due to an aging population and higher healthcare expenditures, assistance must not be cut, as consultation and referrals by specialists and family doctors are critically important.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is simply a request to invite Kalle Grünthal onto the stage.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal notes that food additives, or E-substances (E1000–E1599), are a major problem, as approximately 600 of these compounds consist of flavourings, scents, colourings, and preservatives. He asks what steps the government plans to take to reduce their presence in food, citing a warning issued by the National Institute for Health Development.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasized that along with sugar, sweeteners in sodas will also be taxed, and food producers' reformulation agreements concern sugar, added sweeteners, salt, and saturated fatty acids, as well as the level of permitted additives and the proportion of antibiotics or hormones, which is measurable and traceable to ensure food safety and prevent negative health effects. Although she cannot currently state the exact limits of the norms, she agrees that synthetic additives are concerning and scientific research is needed to assess their long-term effects. However, the Agriculture and Food Board and the Health Board can cooperate to monitor and laboratory test pesticide residues and antibiotic content, and apply sanctions if necessary, ensuring that the cleanest and safest possible produce reaches the consumer's table.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invites Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul posed two questions: first, what he considers to be the most critical concern in the health sector right now—specifically, whether body weight and children’s health are paramount, and what implications this might have for the future; and second, concerning the health equity metrics outlined in the population health development plan and the role of private health insurance. He elaborated on this second point by discussing how sustainable the system would be, how to solve the problem of long waiting lists and unequal access to care, and what place private health insurance might hold in the future.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stressed that in order to meet the goals of Estonia 2035, it is first necessary to address the shortage of healthcare workers, ensure quality training, and maintain a sustainable workforce. This is because specialized health insurance and fragmented funding increase inequality, and the most effective approach is to collect money through taxes and distribute it via the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa), where the majority of resources should be allocated to services and motivating employees.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that the Reform Party faction wishes to extend the sitting until the agenda is exhausted, but no later than 2:00 PM, and requested that colleagues proceed to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Fifty-five members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of the proposal, nobody voted against, and one member abstained; the sitting is extended until the agenda is exhausted, but no later than 2 p.m. Debates are now open, and Jaak Valge, speaking on behalf of the EKRE faction, requested the floor.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He greets the listeners and notes that he has about five minutes' worth of material on his computer, requesting three additional minutes if necessary.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He confirms that you deserve three extra, and I don't doubt it.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge presented the minister with three points: that the report should be obtained prior to the discussion; that a comparative analysis must be carried out with other countries, focusing on improving areas where we lag behind, particularly the healthy life years indicator and integration in Ida-Virumaa; and he stressed that human capital is the state's most important resource.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker, Jüri Ratas, invited Karmen Joller, the representative of the Reform Party parliamentary group, to the Riigikogu rostrum. He asked her if she required additional time and granted her eight minutes.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The presentation emphasizes that Estonian healthcare must focus on prevention, the creation of healthy living environments, and individual responsibility, taking into account the risks of metabolic syndrome and the needs of the aging population. Furthermore, it must implement systemic, science-based, and needs-based management, including restrictions on alcohol advertising and improved access to specialist medical care.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas gives the floor to the rapporteur.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
He/She said that these resources aren't being utilized enough, and currently, there are various methods available for cutting costs.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas apologized and said that the time had run over by 36 seconds.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
He/She asks us to use them, expresses thanks, and remarks that the time went by very quickly.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas thanks and invites Aivar Kokk, the representative of the Isamaa faction, to the rostrum, granting him eight minutes of additional time.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
This speech emphasizes that health begins at home—with proper nutrition and movement—and that kindergarten and school menus, support for families, employer benefits, and ensuring doctors remain in Estonia are necessary so that everyone takes more responsibility for their health and the funding of the Health Insurance Fund is sufficient.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called Irja Lutsar, the representative of the Eesti 200 faction, to the podium. He requested additional time, and Lutsar asked for eight minutes.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar emphasized that achieving the Estonia 2035 goals requires robust and accessible evidence-based medical care, coupled with a greater contribution from general practitioners, national planning, quality control, and better coordination of services, because prevention alone cannot eliminate the need for treating diseases and providing medical care.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that Tanel Kiik, the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction, is authorized to speak on the current agenda item, and this authorization has been confirmed by the faction chairman, Jevgeni Ossinovski.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik just says, "Yes, please!"
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks for eight minutes.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik expresses his satisfaction with the Minister of Health’s report, emphasizing the importance of a solidarity-based healthcare system and the need to find additional funding through systemic financing reform, as private health insurance is not the solution.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur and invited Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, the representative of the Estonian Centre Party faction, to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak for two minutes.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart’s speech emphasizes that the future of healthcare rests on three steps—a sustainable financing model, quality, and prevention—and warns that taxes must not be used as a tool of healthcare policy. Instead, the focus must be on strengthening the hospital network and promoting youth health.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that Minister of Health Riina Sikkut would be speaking in the round of discussions; permission has been granted, and she will be allocated eight minutes for her address.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasized that healthcare must be managed systematically, based on scientific evidence, and according to actual needs, and that the solidarity-based system must be strengthened. The tax on sweetened beverages and the idea of a pedometer were discussed, and she noted that the funding decisions and the memorandum will reach the government in the near future, and subsequently the Social Affairs Committee.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the minister and colleagues, announced the conclusion of the debate, and thanked the Minister of Health for the 2024 presentation and overview within the framework of "Estonia 2035." He also noted that, pursuant to the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, the Riigikogu does not adopt a decision upon the conclusion of a discussion, and therefore, the first agenda item is concluded.