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Mayors of Varkaus and Iisalmi oppose closure of emergency services in northern Savonia

Tuesday 10th 2024 on 11:34 in  
Finland

The mayors of Varkaus and Iisalmi are opposing the planned closure of round-the-clock emergency services slated for the end of next year, a move they say will significantly impact primary healthcare in the region. The Social and Health Committee has backed the government’s proposal to reduce the emergency service network, which would allow only one emergency department per area. For northern Savonia, this would mean the elimination of night services in Iisalmi and Varkaus, with the sole service operating out of Kuopio.

Iisalmi’s mayor, Jarmo Ronkainen, expressed his disappointment, stating the decision represents a considerable setback for residents in the Upper Savonia region and creates inequalities among residents. He noted that for those living on the outskirts, the commute to the Kuopio University Hospital could exceed an hour and a half and would pose even greater challenges for those without personal transportation, relying instead on taxis or ambulances.

Ronkainen is critical of the North Savo Welfare Area, suggesting it could have more forcefully advocated for the maintenance of nighttime services, which serve approximately 50,000 residents in Iisalmi and over 30,000 in Varkaus. He emphasized the broader implications of such cuts on fundamental services and residents’ sense of security.

In response to the situation, the municipalities filed a complaint with the Chancellor of Justice regarding the lack of adequate preparation for the healthcare bill, insisting that nighttime emergency services remain for equitable access. However, the Chancellor’s recent ruling indicated that no actions would follow the complaint. Protests against the service closures drew hundreds of participants in both Varkaus and Iisalmi. Nighttime services have been operating under a ministerial exception since 2015.

Source 
(via yle.fi)