Criticism against collection to Stockholm Care

Normally, the region does not receive money for tax-financed activities, but now during the corona crisis, an exception has been made, says Irene Svenonius (M), chairman of the regional board in Stockholm.

- There has been tremendous pressure to give money. Therefore, we have made an exception in this unique situation.

She explains that the fund is for those who want to contribute during the crisis, but who can find no other way than to donate money. But she can't say exactly what the money will go to.

- They should not go to the expense of general operations.

The various businesses are allowed to apply for money, and what it can be about is that she as a politician does not want to rule over. However, the information that has been released states that the money can be used to buy equipment, medicines or equipment.

What does the collection do with the people's willingness to pay tax for health care in the future?

- There are completely different things. This is not an operating allowance. But the pandemic hits rock hard.

However, the government has promised that the state will bear the costs of the pandemic.

- It is welcome that the government replaces. But the collection is something completely different.

Irene Svenonius emphasizes that the region's economy is strong and well-managed.

Are the grants needed then?

- I have deep respect for people wanting to contribute in different ways. It's moving. Now we open for this, but we will not actively raise money, says Irene Svenonius.

Lotta Dickman, intensive care nurse at Södersjukhuset in Stockholm, is really angry about the region's money collection.

- I think it's shameful. This is fraud. The people have contributed tax, and now it should also be a fundraiser. This is proof that the Stockholm region has failed capital. For so many years, we have pointed out shortcomings that the region ignored, she says.

Akil Awad, a doctor at Södersjukhuset and founder of the Healthcare Call in Stockholm who protests against cuts and notice that is still partially left, thinks it is good that people want to donate. But he also thinks the collection is strange.

“The region has long prioritized wrongs, and we already had non-existent margins before this began. Now the government has taken on all the pronounced costs of the corona crisis, and in that situation starting a fund is incomprehensible, ”he writes to TT.

Gunilla George, chair of the Stockholm Association of Health Care, is split up for the collection. Sure, if the money can be used to create better working conditions for staff during the crisis, it can be good. But there are great risks in financing care with gifts, she believes.

On the other hand, there is no cleavage at the Kommunal union Kommunal.

- It is embarrassing. The Stockholm region is the richest in the country, and in Sweden we finance care with tax. This gives strange signals, says Torbjörn Dalin, chief economist at Kommunal.