Financial struggles in accessing medications reported by 24% of residents in Finland

In Jyväskylä, Virpi Rantanen, a resident with type 2 diabetes, has struggled to afford her medications, occasionally saving costs by taking her diabetes medication only every other day or postponing purchases altogether. Rantanen noted some weeks where she was completely without her diabetes medication, trusting her healthcare providers who told her she maintained a good health balance.

Managing over a dozen prescription medications for common health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes, Rantanen spends between 50 to 70 euros monthly, despite some costs being subsidized by the government. She reveals that there have been multiple occasions this year when she completely skipped buying essential medications, sometimes saving around 50 euros a month by forgoing more expensive prescriptions.

Recent studies indicate that financial difficulties in obtaining prescription medications have become increasingly common in Finland, with approximately 24% of respondents reporting struggles in 2023, up from 17% in 2021. This trend raises concerns about healthcare access, as many depend on prescribed medications for their health.

Experts highlighted that the situation is particularly dire among those at greater risk of poverty, especially middle-aged individuals outside the workforce. Rantanen, who has been unemployed for three years, manages to live on a minimal budget, often relying on food assistance.

With her recent retirement, Rantanen’s financial situation has improved, granting her peace of mind regarding her medication needs, culminating in a more stable outlook for her health care moving forward.