Social Services and Health Minister Kaisa Juuso has responded to criticism from Lapland regional councilors about healthcare funding. She defended her position on social media amid growing tensions over service cuts.
Juuso stated that Lapland's welfare district finances have grown substantially. The deficit reached 177.4 million euros at the end of last year. She predicts the shortfall will increase to 210 million euros this year.
Several parliament members from Lapland expressed shock about the new healthcare law taking effect in October. They suggested the problem lies with the legislation rather than funding adequacy. The politicians accused Juuso of avoiding responsibility.
MP Mika Riipi described Juuso's behavior as appalling after she criticized citizens during her weekend tour of Meri-Lapland. Juuso responded sharply during a public appearance in Tornio.
She said, Now all eyes are turned on me. Everything is Minister Juuso's fault. A nice thank you for negotiating overnight emergency care and surgery for Lapland's Länskä Hospital.
MP Markus Lohi told media the new healthcare law would bring 10 million euros in additional costs to the welfare district. He said this has caused disagreement within the council. MP Johanna Ojala-Niemelä also expressed confusion about Juuso's defense.
Ojala-Niemelä noted, I do find it puzzling. This is something she caused herself. At the end of the last electoral term, with Minister Krista Kiuru's involvement, West Pohjanmaa Central Hospital received special funding that Minister Riikka Purra removed as her first action this term.
Juuso now says the healthcare law enables reasonably extensive specialized medical services in Kemi, Lapland. Lapland's regional councilors will decide the scope considering legislation, funding, and doctor availability.
She wrote on Facebook, The economy is in such bad shape that savings must be found elsewhere. So as a proposal to citizens, approved by the regional board, came plans to close several hospital wards and eliminate Ivalo's overnight emergency service.
The minister claims the Centre Party supported this decision initially, though the party later denied backing it.
The political blame game continues while Lapland residents face real reductions in essential healthcare services. Both sides appear more focused on assigning fault than finding sustainable solutions for the region's healthcare funding challenges.