Skikas could face up to five years imprisonment and would be barred from working in the medical field. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh.

VILNIUS — Former Minister of Health Vice Minister Artūras Skikas plead guilty to the charge of accepting a 20,000 litai (€5,790) bribe at the first hearing of his trial Wednesday.

Skikas could face up to five years imprisonment and would be barred from working in the medical field. Skikas’ sentencing hearing has not been set yet.

The case is likely only one of many. Bribery in Lithuania’s health care system is a well-documented practice that occurs at all levels, industry professionals say.

Tackling corruption is a stated priority of Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius’ government, and Kubilius praised the actions of the anti-corruption task force that arrested Skikas.

Will Čaplikas resign?

Parliamentary speaker Irena Degutienė said last week that she expects health minister Algis Čaplikas to resign in light of the scandal. However, Kubilius disagreed.

If Čaplikas resigned, it would be the second member of the Council of Ministers to leave in three weeks.