Doctors recommended whole-food plant-based diet – errors identified and addressed, says medical director

An internal investigation by the Etelä-Savo well-being services county Eloisa found no systemic failure in adherence to nutritional guidelines, following a report by Yle that two doctors had advised patients to adopt a strict plant-based diet contrary to treatment recommendations.

Chief medical officer Jaana Luukkonen stated in Eloisa’s press release that the matter was treated with seriousness and thoroughly investigated. While the conclusion was that Eloisa as an organisation had not acted incorrectly, Luukkonen acknowledged: “Errors have been identified and addressed. Eloisa follows official treatment guidelines in all its operations.”

Kimmo Kuosmanen, director of health services at Eloisa, told Yle that the internal investigation was conducted by an external party. He confirmed that Eloisa has a policy prohibiting the recommendation of a whole-food plant-based diet.

The press release also clarified that the investigation confirmed no organisational ties between Eloisa and the Koivikko Foundation (Koivikko Lifestyle Center) in Mikkeli or the Finnish Lifestyle Medicine Association. Lifestyle medicine often advocates for a whole-food plant-based diet. The Finnish Adventist Church established the association, and the movement is known for its disciplined approach to health. Koivikko is one of the Adventists’ course centres.