Waiting times increase for healthcare services in Finland due to government budget cuts

Due to budget decisions made by the government, waiting times for healthcare services are increasing, as stated by Antti Lindtman, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Antti Kaikkonen, leader of the Centre Party, during an evening talk show. Lindtman criticized the government for exacerbating the staffing shortages in welfare districts, noting that one significant factor is their allocation of €500 million to reimburse private medical visits during the electoral term.

The decision to extend the waiting time guarantee to three months has also drawn criticism. Lindtman argued that while funds are funneled to private interests, the guarantee is being dismantled, leading to longer waiting times and worsening health conditions. In contrast, the government contends that the increase in reimbursements will help alleviate waiting lists. Kaikkonen disagreed, claiming that the decision results in “money going down the drain,” citing research suggesting that reimbursement increases do not effectively reduce waiting times.

Both SDP and the Centre Party advocate redirecting the funds intended for reimbursements directly to welfare districts instead. Kaikkonen emphasized that it is the public sector, not private providers, facing the real issues.

Defending the decision to raise reimbursement rates, Antti Häkkänen, Deputy Leader of the National Coalition Party and Minister of Defence, urged the opposition to put the matter into perspective. He pointed out that while €70 million is earmarked for reimbursements, the total expenditure on social and healthcare services next year will reach €26 billion, representing less than half a percent of the overall budget.

The proposed budget for next year includes government spending of €88.8 billion and revenues of €76.6 billion, with a deficit of €12.2 billion. Cuts will be made in areas such as development cooperation, vocational training, and government administration, while increased funding is allocated to the police and the armed forces.