Östergötland political parties debate psychiatric ambulance funding

In Region Östergötland, political parties are addressing the long-term funding of psychiatric ambulances (PAM). Currently, only one of the region’s two PAM units has permanent financing, while the other relies on temporary project funds. This lack of stable funding poses a challenge to ensuring equitable prehospital psychiatric care.

Political parties have expressed varying approaches to the issue. The Sweden Democrats aim to secure two permanent psychiatric ambulances through long-term regional funding. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats have included PAM and mobile outpatient teams in their 2027 budget proposals, aiming to expand these services throughout the entire county.

The PAM service has operated in Östergötland for four years and recently expanded its mandate to include children and adolescents in acute mental health crises. Proponents argue that psychiatric specialists should handle these crises to avoid relying solely on standard ambulances or police intervention for mental health emergencies.