More Finns for public health care, if option to choose

Nearly 43 percent of Finns would choose public health care if people had the option to choose ​​health care provider, revealed a survey by the Foundation for Municipal Development.

Around one third of the respondents would, however, choose private health care while ​ 23 percent of the respondent did not take a position on the matter, said a local media report quoting the survey.

More than 57 percent users of municipal health care providers believe they would choose public health care if freedom to choose health care comes to fruition.

Sixty four percent of the current users of private health care services on the other hand​ want to remain on the private side.

Pensioners and students favour public services most, revealed the survey. The popularity of public and private health care also varies by region. The popularity of private health care is highest in the capital city region and among the residents of Uusimaa. On the contrary, the majority of rural areas dwellers prefer public health care services.

High income earners on their part would choose private health care services over public.

Among the political parties, Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party) supporters clearly emphasize the use of​ private health care services.

Sixty percent of Kokoomus supporters would choose private health care services, while the corresponding figure among Vasemmistoliitto (Left Alliance) supporters is only 17 percent.

Slightly over half of Suomen sosialidemokraattinen puolue (Social Democratic Party), Left Alliance and Suomen Keskusta (Centre Party of Finland) supporters​ would choose public heath care.

The survey was conducted on 23-28 March. A total of 1,028, people took part in the survey​ and the margin of error is +/-3.