Varkaus joins Iisalmi in complaint over healthcare law’s inadequate preparation

The city of Varkaus has joined Iisalmi in filing a complaint regarding the inadequate preparation of the healthcare law. Last week, Iisalmi city council decided to submit the complaint to the Chancellor of Justice. Joonas Hänninen, the mayor of Varkaus, stated that both cities have been working for a long time to maintain nighttime healthcare services. The night healthcare services in Varkaus and Iisalmi are set to end by the end of 2025. Both municipalities demand the preservation of these services to ensure equitable access for residents.

Hänninen emphasized that Iisalmi and Varkaus share similar needs and justifications for retaining nighttime healthcare. Iisalmi previously reported that the impact assessment of the hospital law proposal was lacking, particularly regarding the equal treatment of residents and the evaluation of fundamental rights. Varkaus holds the same view, with Hänninen also addressing the unequal treatment of different regions. He pointed out that, due to the reform of social and healthcare services, the responsibility for organizing and making decisions about services has been handed over to welfare districts.

“Some areas are prohibited from organizing emergency services, while others are allowed to do so. Welfare districts should be able to make such decisions independently,” Hänninen remarked.

According to Iisalmi’s calculations, closing the nighttime healthcare service at its hospital would increase costs for the welfare district. Hänninen indicated that the complaint aims to assess the government’s legislative process. He hopes that the issues raised in the complaint will influence legislative work and lead to a broader public discussion.

Both Iisalmi and Varkaus believe that ceasing nighttime services will have significant economic and humanitarian impacts on their regions, leading to higher costs and diminished service availability. The preparation of the complaint is nearing completion and is expected to be submitted to the Chancellor next week.