The Defence Resources Agency ends the health assessments of conscripts in Rapla

As of January 1, 2025, health assessment services for conscripts at Rapla County Hospital will be discontinued. Henceforth, conscripts living in Rapla County will be permanently directed to undergo health assessments in Tallinn, though they can choose a suitable assessment location if necessary.

The discontinuation of health assessments in Rapla is part of service optimization and to offer more flexible scheduling. Since conscripts can now choose their assessment location and time, many prefer assessments in Tallinn due to work, school, or actual residence, as Tallinn assessments occur more frequently. In Rapla, ten assessments will be held this year, while 138 are planned for Tallinn next year.

Anu Rannaveski, Director General of the Defence Resources Agency, stated that this decision is practical. “Good and relatively inexpensive public transport connections between Tallinn and Rapla allow conscripts to find the most convenient time and place for their health assessment. For example, a conscript living in Kivi-Vigala might find the nearest center in Pärnu, where assessments are also conducted,” said Rannaveski. Meal and travel expenses related to the assessment attendance are reimbursed up to 15 euros per conscript per assessment. Arrival times of public transport are also considered for conscripts coming from further away.

Health assessments have become increasingly efficient. Existing health data can sometimes prove non-compliance with health requirements, reducing the need for on-site assessment. “Only conscripts whose health cannot be evaluated without their presence are called for assessment. If existing data do not show any reasons for extended treatment or require additional examination or data collection, the conscript must still attend the assessment,” said Rannaveski.

Health assessments are conducted among citizens aged 18-27 fulfilling military service obligations. The assessment ensures that conscripts starting service are healthy and able to cope with the physical demands of military training and changed living conditions.