Doctors have called on Finland’s right-wing government to change “problematic and harmful” plans to ban illegal immigrants from accessing medical services except for emergency situations, warning they could cost lives.
The government, which includes the far-right Finns party and is led by conservative National Coalition leader Petteri Orpo, has proposed repealing a 2023 law that would give undocumented immigrants full access to health care, arguing it is in line with plans to cut spending and immigration.
However, the Finnish Medical Association has opposed the plan, calling it “highly problematic and harmful in many ways.”
While there are some exceptions, such as children, people classed as “extremely vulnerable” in their health, and people with disabilities, doctors have warned that the impact of the new restrictions could be life-threatening, as people with illnesses such as diabetes and asthma could be denied treatment.
Aino Tuomi Nikula, an adviser to Doctors for Social Responsibility, said: “Those who put forward this proposal say that Finland does not have enough funds for everyone and that more people would come to Finland if there was full access to healthcare. We know that is not true and it is actually cheaper to treat symptoms upfront in primary healthcare than to leave them to emergency care. This measure is a political ploy to crack down on marginalised people and exploit public fears about immigration.”
“Healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege enjoyed by only a few. If this law passes, it will cause suffering and betray Finland’s commitment to equality and justice. It must be rejected,” said Louise Bonneau, advocacy officer at the International Cooperation Platform on Illegal Migration.
Physicians for Social Responsibility said the proposed changes could harm the health of undocumented immigrants, “increase human suffering” and ultimately lead to higher medical costs.
“Doctors and nurses must be able to carry out their work ethically and sustainably and health facilities must not be made more difficult to operate,” they said in a statement to the government.
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The proposal, which has strong support from the Finns Party, was due to be presented to parliament next week, but the Ministry of Social Affairs said on Tuesday that the proposal “needs more time to prepare” and will not go ahead until after Christmas.
The amendment would exempt people from vaccinations and access to treatment for some infectious diseases deemed a threat to public health.
