Plungės Hospital

Plungės Hospital (VšĮ Plungės rajono savivaldybės ligoninė) is a vital public healthcare institution located in the heart of the Samogitia region in Lithuania. As a primary municipal hospital, it serves as the central hub for medical emergencies and specialized inpatient care for the Plungė district. The facility operates as a public entity, ensuring that essential medical services are accessible to the local population and visitors alike. For international travelers and tourists exploring the nearby Žemaitija National Park or the historic Oginski Manor, Plungės Hospital provides a reliable safety net for acute medical issues, accidents, and sudden illnesses. The hospital is equipped with a 24/7 Emergency Room (Priėmimo-skubios pagalbos skyrius) that is prepared to handle a wide range of medical crises, from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions requiring immediate stabilization.

The medical specialties at Plungės Hospital are comprehensive, covering the most critical areas of modern medicine. The Internal Medicine department manages chronic and acute conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and metabolic disorders. The Surgical and Traumatology departments are particularly robust, offering both planned and emergency surgical interventions. These departments are staffed by experienced surgeons capable of performing general abdominal surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and trauma-related operations. For critical cases, the hospital maintains a dedicated Reanimation and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which is equipped with advanced monitoring systems and life-support technology to manage patients in unstable conditions. This facility is crucial for the stabilization of patients before potential transfer to larger tertiary centers in Klaipėda or Kaunas if highly specialized neurosurgery or cardiac intervention is required.

Diagnostic capabilities at Plungės Hospital have seen significant modernization in recent years. The radiology department features Computed Tomography (CT) scanning, high-resolution X-ray equipment, and advanced ultrasound (echoscopy) units. These tools allow for rapid diagnosis of internal injuries, strokes, and acute abdominal pain. The hospital’s clinical laboratory operates around the clock, providing essential blood chemistry, hematology, and microbiology results to support emergency decision-making. In addition to emergency care, the hospital offers inpatient services in departments such as pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. This breadth of service ensures that patients receive continuous care from the initial emergency visit through to recovery.

For international tourists, Plungės Hospital is a practical choice due to its adherence to European healthcare standards. While the primary language is Lithuanian, many of the medical staff, particularly the younger generation of doctors, are proficient in English and Russian. The hospital accepts the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows EU citizens to receive necessary medical treatment under the same conditions and costs as locals. The facility is located approximately 50-60 kilometers from Palanga International Airport, making it accessible for those entering the region by air. For travelers experiencing medical emergencies, the hospital works in coordination with the national emergency number 112. The presence of on-site ambulance services ensures that transport from tourist sites to the hospital is efficient. Whether dealing with a hiking injury from the nearby forests or a sudden illness during a cultural tour, Plungės Hospital provides the necessary infrastructure for stabilization, treatment, and coordination with international insurance providers.