Concerns raised by soldiers about medical treatment delays at Kainuu Brigade in Finland

Kasper Nielsen began his military service at the Kainuu Brigade in January 2024, which culminated in a surgery at Oulu University Hospital at the end of March. Doctors removed a large abscess from his lungs, which had developed following a month of illness and pneumonia. Nielsen feels that he did not receive timely treatment at the barracks, as flu-like and respiratory symptoms persisted for an extended period.

He sought medical assistance multiple times but was only given more painkillers. “It felt as though my illness was not taken seriously,” he stated. Nielsen is not alone; several soldiers at the Kainuu Brigade have reported similar experiences where prolonged fever and flu-like symptoms led to serious conditions like pneumonia and interruptions in their service. A common complaint is the undue delay in accessing doctors, with many feeling their concerns were minimized.

The Finnish Defense Forces recognize that there is often insufficient medical staff during outbreaks, though resources are deemed adequate otherwise. Continuous efforts to improve these practices are underway.

Concerns have been raised by soldiers that some may avoid seeking care, which could lead to distrust in their health services. In contrast, officials argue that the brigades typically provide faster medical services than civilian facilities. However, during epidemic conditions, prioritization of the most severely ill patients is necessary.

Nielsen, now recovering, expressed frustration upon learning that earlier treatment could have eliminated the need for surgery. He encourages fellow soldiers to assert their health concerns. His mother shared how distressing it was when his health deteriorated, creating fears for his life. Overall, the situation highlights the ongoing need to address healthcare access and responsiveness within military settings.