CEO of Estonian Health Insurance Fund to resign

TALLINN - Rain Laane, chairman of the management board of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, announced at an emergency meeting of the fund's supervisory board on Friday that he will submit his resignation.

Laane announced that he will submit his resignation at the next regular meeting of the fund's supervisory board on Aug. 22. During the discussion, the supervisory board was of the opinion that the resignation will be accepted, and Laane's last day on the job is Aug. 31.

Laane stated that he is taking responsibility in order to restore workplace harmony, so that focus can return to substantive healthcare issues -- the sustainability of the solidarity-based healthcare system, the shortage of healthcare professionals, and the implementation of the soon-to-be-completed development plan.

"However, it is important to emphasize that hopefully both the Health Insurance Fund and the wider public sector will continue to take care of their people, and that we as a society truly value public sector employees. At the same time, we must be aware of the fragile line of balance between taking care of people and society's sense of justice," said Laane.

Karmen Joller, minister of social affairs and chair of the supervisory board of the Health Insurance Fund, said the supervisory board has found several shortfalls in the work of the CEO. This concerns both the diligent, transparent and ethical use of taxpayers' money for operating expenses, as well as the broader strategic vision and choices in a situation where the healthcare system is facing difficult times and no additional funding is forthcoming.

The supervisory board has communicated these expectations to the Health Insurance Fund's board before, including during a discussion on the strategy for the next four years on July 30, where the management board was tasked with presenting a significantly more specific and thoroughly analyzed strategic vision to the supervisory board on Aug. 22, which would ensure the financial sustainability of the Health Insurance Fund.

"Organizing exclusive castle parties during a difficult time is just one symptom that characterizes the shortcomings in management culture," the minister said. "This isn't simply a mistake; it's a conflict of values, as shown by the very painful reaction of the Estonian people. I commend Rain Laane for taking responsibility," the minister added.

Joller also pointed out that Laane has done a great deal of good and beneficial work for both the Estonian Health Insurance Fund as an organization and the Estonian healthcare sector during his nearly eight years in office. For example, prevention has reached a new level, and participation in screening programs has increased. Communication with partners has improved, and the organization has successfully taken part in complex negotiations over pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it has effectively pursued digital solutions and innovation.