Editorial: the prophetically emptying island

Photo: Priit Pullerits

The last gynaecologist of Hiiumaa, Estonia’s second largest island, retires. Prematurely. Hers is the job that makes birthing babies possible.  

Just an example of the problems brought about by counties «bleeding people» and the population aging. Not limited to medical care, any field is affected where top specialists are needed – education included.  

The «awakenings» arrive not all at once – only when veteran specialists tire and bow out. Hiring fresh ones is complex or outright excluded, for various reasons. The working load may not be sufficient. And if it is, the conditions are hard.

Exaggerating ever so slightly, Hiiumaa’s only gynaecologist Merike Tingas was almost always on telephone alert. Obviously, the atmosphere of it wears one out, far from the young specialist’s dream job.  

It’s kind of special on an island, as mainland life offers opportunities a lot easier for people to travel elsewhere for medical care as need arises.

Unless we come up with a miracle to turn urbanisation around, this is the new normal – to be reconciled with, and coped with. Thus, teaming up with mainland medical centres and applying for extra state aid, Hiiumaa is intending to keep obstetrical care going for its population of 8,000 plus.

Reviving regions is a challenge for societies a lot richer then Estonia. Even for neighbours in the North. As population shrinks in a certain part of the country, a string of services hits the cost-effectiveness limit. For specialists or service providers, there just aren’t enough customers to make a living in market conditions.

Therefore, we will need to consider the future of ever increasing fields where smart solutions and extra money are equally needed to secure vital services for the few that remain. The urgently vital come first, of course. But there are the not-so-vital things in life that still nudge people towards a life in some city even though countryside nicety would otherwise be preferred.