Waiting time for Medical Care in Sweden

Abstract

The Swedish Medical System has been known for its long waiting lists. However, in recent years central and local governments have constructed policies in order to improve this. The first national policy was made in1987, where they allocated extra funds into three kinds of surgeries. Another policy was made in 1992 which made it mandatory for 10 surgeries to be done in 3 months. This was called the 'Maximum Waiting Time Guarantee'. There were several amendments after the policy's implementation. One referred to what was covered in the Guarantee: In1997 this was amended to include waiting times to see doctors, in 2005 for waiting time for surgery or treatment. An economical incentive program was also started in 2009 in order to increase practicality, and finally in 2010 the Guarantee became a part of a patient's legal right. These policies were effective to an extent, but as they create a burden on workers, it has not managed to completely solve the problem of long waiting lists. Therefore, more research about supply and demand will be needed in order to find the cause of the long waiting lists.