Born on 30 October 1955 in Krasnojarsk Kraj, Siberia, into a family of deportees.

Upon the return from deportation finished secondary school.

In 1974 entered Kaunas Medical Institute (currently - Medical University). In 1976 moved to Vilnius University and continued medical studies in Vilnius.

In 1980-1988 - worked at Vilnius "Raudonojo kryžiaus" ('Red Cross') hospital, later - at the Microsurgery Centre of Vilnius University as a physician, senior research worker. Doctor of Medical Sciences. Winner of the National Prize.

In 1988 participated in Sąjūdis activity, elected member of the Sąjūdis Seimas at its first Congress.

In 1989 - elected People's Deputy of the USSR.

In 1989-1991 - worked at the Supreme Council of Lithuania as a member of the Lithuanian delegation.

On 23 March 1990 - appointed first Minister of Health of the re-established Independent Lithuanian State (XXII Government of the Republic of Lithuania).

In 1992, after the Lithuanian Democratic Labour Party won the elections, he refused to go on working in the Government.

In 1993-1994 - worked at Vilnius Ambulance University hospital as a surgeon.

In 1994 - worked as a chief physician at Vilnius University hospital.

In 1997 - elected Chairman of the Lithuanian Trade Union Centre.

In 1992-1993 - member of the Organisation Commission of the European Regional Bureau of the World Health Organisation. Member of many international medical organisations, the author of over 70 scientific articles.

Hobbies - shooting, football, gardening, going to the theatre.

Member of the Social Democratic Party since 1989.

Speaks English and Russian.

Married. Has three children.

Member of the Seimas Delegation to the Interparliamentary Union.

Member of the Parliamentary Group for the Relations with the Republic Chechenia of Itcheria.

Member of the Parliamentary Group for the Relations with the Republic of Greece and Cyprus.

Deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Group for the Relations with Japan.

Member of the Parliamentary Group for the Relations with the Russian Federation.

Member of the Parliamentary Group for the Relations with the North European Countries (Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden).

Deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Group for the Relations with Taiwan.

Member of the Parliamentary Group for the Relations with the Ukraine.