As nations around the world grapple with how to effectively deliver healthcare, Sweden is finding significant issues with its current system. The Swedish healthcare system is primarily government funded but is manged along three levels. The national level is managed by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs which focuses more on national goals. The regional level is broken into county councils which manage the hospital structure and delivery of care. Finally, the local level manages more of the long term care and post discharge aspects of care. However, the system still relies heavily on providers.
According to The One, patients are struggling with long wait times and lack of services throughout the country. The report outlines numerous statements of wait times for certain services and even shutting down of birthing units due to this shortage. Further, it appears like most countries, Sweden is also experiencing a shortage of providers. Although these numbers have increased, it might not be enough to meet the needs of the population.
The bottom line is that although Sweden has socialized healthcare, the entire world is struggling with the shortage of physicians, nurses, and other clinicians.