The Minister of Social Affairs: "Incredibly outrageous"

- It is clear that Swedish healthcare must work, not least after a procurement. This is incredibly upsetting, "Lena Hallengren tells TT.

But her responsibilities are healthcare issues on an overall level, and procurement as such is not her thing. However, the Swedish Agency for Social Protection and Preparedness (MSB) and the National Board of Health and Welfare follow what is happening.

- Here are five regions that did the procurement, and something went wrong. No one knows yet what it is. But the government is acting through the National Board of Social Services, which is very active here to support the regions in the situation they were in.

In general, she thinks it is important that those who purchase goods and services ask themselves what is system critical.

- There is nothing that says you have to go for the cheapest bid. Here are five major regions, and the fact is that there has been a procurement authority.

Nevertheless, health care has had major problems.

TT: Is it time to set up a crash commission?

- It's not relevant right now. There is already an emergency preparedness investigation in progress. This was not the case when it was added. I don't know if the directives cover this, but we have to look at it. There is no need to add another investigation.

Later, when the situation is resolved, it may be relevant to investigate further what has gone wrong.

- Then MSB and the National Board of Health will become important authorities, says Lena Hallengren.

Minister of Civil Affairs Lena Micko (S), who has procurement issues at his table, notes that what has now happened must not really happen.

- But now it has happened. Then it is very important to analyze and go through what could have been done differently, says Lena Micko.

But neither does she think it is appropriate to add any external review.

- What I want to point out here in particular is the importance of taking the support of experts, such as the national procurement authority. It plays a big role.

She cannot say whether the Supply Chain Committee has done so in this case. Clearly, however, it was the lowest price that determined when Apotekstjänst got the deal. The Supply Chain Committee constantly refers to existing legislation, and believes that it is not possible to depart from the lowest bid.

But there Lena Micko thinks that the law gives great opportunities to see other than just the price.

- The Act on Public Procurement not only says the lowest price, it gives you the opportunity to choose based on other factors as well.

She does not think there is any reason to review the rules.

- I will not close the door, but here it is about the agreement, and the requirements and the follow-up, says Lena Micko.