Pohde seeks nearly 107 million euros in new borrowing authority

North Ostrobothnia’s wellbeing services county, known as Pohde, plans to take on more debt and is seeking government approval for nearly 106.9 million euros in additional borrowing authority, Yle reports.

If approved, Pohde’s total borrowing authority would rise to 328.4 million euros.

Strategy and finance director Anu Vuorinen said the additional borrowing would be needed for investments planned for 2026 to 2029.

Pohde has supplemented its investment plan and estimated that it needs an additional 38.9 million euros. Of that amount, 21.9 million euros would go towards constructing the H building at Oulu University Hospital, while 6.7 million euros would fund equipment investments for the building.

A further 1.5 million euros is needed to plan the relocation of psychiatric facilities from Peltola to the Oulu University Hospital campus. Serious indoor air problems have been detected in the psychiatric facilities.

Pohde is also seeking 8.8 million euros in additional borrowing authority to introduce its customer and patient information systems.

The North Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county’s total investment costs are estimated at about 730 million euros between 2026 and 2029. The largest project is the OYS 2030 redevelopment programme, which will renew the operations and facilities of Oulu University Hospital.