Hanna Laine-Nousimaa criticizes Finnish healthcare access and costs

Finnish Member of Parliament Hanna Laine-Nousimaa (SDP) has criticized Social Affairs and Health Minister Wille Rydman (PS) regarding delays in medical care and the rising costs of illness. The criticism follows a parliamentary questioning session where Rydman characterized concerns regarding patient fees and treatment delays as ‘opposition propaganda.’

Laine-Nousimaa emphasized that delays in diagnosis can be critical for cancer patients, noting that every week matters for recovery. According to September 2026 statistics from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), only 60 percent of doctor appointments occurred within 14 days, and only 46 percent of in-person appointments were completed within that timeframe.

Furthermore, a survey by the Finnish Cancer Patients Association highlighted the financial burden on patients. The survey found that 45 percent of respondents felt patient fees were a significant financial burden, with 25 percent having to cut back on essential expenses like food, and 43 percent relying on savings to cover medical costs.