Solution to healthcare choice freedom found: PM

Prime Minister Juha Sipilä on Wednesday said that a solution to the clients’ freedom of choice as part of the health, social services and regional government reform has been found, reported Finnish media.

The parliamentary groups will discuss the matter on Thursday, said the premier.

Sipilä said that the timetable is tight, however, the matter looks good to be resolved.

A recent study by experts according to the premier has identified three areas of problems and that the reform group dealt with the issues on Wednesday morning. The solution reached was found on the basis of this discussion, said Sipilä.

The premier revealed that the feedback from the consultation round will be carefully listened to and if need be, the subsequent presentation will be adjusted.

According to the premier, the matter cannot afford to run into constitutional problems another time.

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, freedom of choice means that clients have the right to choose themselves where to get health and social services. Publicly funded health and social services would be provided by public, private and third-sector operators, such as organisations and foundations.