The University of Tartu (TÜ) failed to fill all state-funded spots in its medical school program for this fall, which the university is chalking up to the introduction of tougher admissions requirements. Several residency program spots remained unfilled as well, with the situation currently most critical in family medicine.
No medical helicopters have been purchased as originally planned, since politicians do not agree to decided who pays pilot salaries and the high cost of spare parts. The health service says it needs to put on three times as many helicopter flights as it has at present, while the interior ministry prioritizes staff salaries.