Social Minister Lena Hallengren (S) says that the National Board of Health and Welfare's mandate as a national buyer will remain fixed until further notice. She said that at a press conference today.  

- The situation is still fragile. There are no long-term emergency stocks. And the situation can get worse, she says.

The shortcomings emerged in early March

She says that in early March, it became clear that the system in force in Sweden, that each authority and region itself takes responsibility for its emergency preparedness, did not work properly.

- Signals came from municipalities and regions that there was not enough protective equipment. The preparedness of the regions and municipalities was not sustainable for patient safety.

Following this, a number of measures have been taken. Among other things, the National Board of Health and Welfare has a national responsibility as a buyer of protective equipment, medical devices and medicines.

- The regions and the healthcare sector are still making great efforts. And here the Social Board has an important supporting role, she says, and continues:

- Although we see an improved situation, the situation is strained. We need to take heed so that we can get a second wave and that the situation quickly deteriorates.

The priority document did not need to be used

The National Board of Health and Welfare has previously produced a document on how priorities in health care would look if resources were not sufficient to care for everyone who sought care.

- But that document has never had to be used. Joint efforts to flatten the curve have led to the availability of intensive care facilities in the hospitals, says Lena Hallengren.

The Minister of Social Affairs also seized the opportunity to thank for the commitment and support provided by private actors.

- This is and this has been the biggest crisis of modern times, says the Minister of Social Affairs.