Swedish budget to keep up with health advances:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The Swedish government has set aside SKr5.1bn ($659m) in its 2004 budget for healthcare, with SKr4bn earmarked for improvements to the health service, an increase of SKr1bn compared with 2003. From these funds, the department of health and social services has set aside SKr24.7m to improve the quality of and access to care as a result of advancements in medical technology and demographic projections. "It is pleasing that the government, in spite of the difficult economic climate, can continue investing heavily in the health service for the fourth year in a row," said health minister Lars Engqvist. The health department said it was acutely aware of progress in the medical devices and pharmaceuticals sectors and stressed that the structure of the health service must keep pace with these developments. The county councils will receive a further SKr1.1bn to improve access to care.