11th November 2023 – (Helsinki) As the number of COVID-19 infections continues to rise in Finland, hospitals in multiple cities are facing the need to scale back non-urgent services in order to accommodate the growing influx of COVID-19 patients, as reported by local media.
In the largest health district in Finland, which serves the west-central region of Pirkanmaa, the preparedness level was elevated to “high demand mode” on Wednesday. Marina Erhola, the district director, stated that the situation has been gradually escalating, with a substantial number of COVID-19 patients currently being treated.
Authorities are urging individuals aged 65 and above, as well as those in high-risk groups, to receive both seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.
According to a recent survey conducted by Finnish national broadcaster Yle, hospitals in three additional regions, in addition to Pirkanmaa, are overwhelmed, and there have been media reports from across the country highlighting long waiting times and difficulties in securing vaccination appointments.
Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, the Minister of Social Security, admitted in parliament on Thursday that the vaccination rollout had started too slowly, but noted that the responsibility lies with the public service health districts.
The Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) acknowledged last week that the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to regional health districts had commenced too late, considering the ongoing epidemic.
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