A debate is brewing over the future of healthcare in Stockholm county, with former officials from across the political spectrum raising concerns about the current governing coalition’s policies. The article details arguments that a shift away from the “Healthcare Choice Stockholm” model-implemented in 2006-toward greater public control could negatively impact patient access and quality of care. Published November 29, 2025, this opinion piece presents a critical assessment of recent healthcare restructuring and its potential consequences, as the region prepares for upcoming elections.
Diverse Healthcare Providers Strengthen System, Former Officials Argue
This is a debate article. The opinions expressed are those of the author, not Aftonbladet.
Published November 29, 2025 06.30
A coalition government comprised of the Center Party and Social Democrats, alongside the Left and Green parties, governs healthcare in Stockholm County.
This region represents the second-largest healthcare system in the country, impacting a quarter of the nation’s patients.
Now, two former government officials – one from the Center Party and one from the Social Democrats – are questioning the current healthcare policies and warning of longer wait times and increased patient impact if the coalition continues on its current path for another term.
A diversity of healthcare providers is a strength – not a problem. Private healthcare companies have long contributed to the development of healthcare in Stockholm County. They have been quick to adopt new methods, implement modern technology, and improve accessibility for patients. Through competition and choice, wait times have been shortened, quality has improved, and care has become more tailored to individual needs.
Over 15 years ago, the Alliance party introduced “Healthcare Choice Stockholm” with a clear goal: to give residents greater freedom to choose healthcare providers, while simultaneously stimulating quality and innovation. The result was a healthcare system with better accessibility, more options, and stronger incentives for improvement. Hundreds of healthcare companies – large and small – now operate specialist care, primary care clinics, and advanced in-home care alongside the public healthcare system.
Several clinics have already been forced to close.
Healthcare Choice empowered patients to influence where and how they receive care. The ability to choose another clinic if dissatisfied is a strong driver of quality. For many, this has meant shorter wait times, better care, and greater peace of mind.
Private healthcare companies have also helped make healthcare professions more attractive. When healthcare professionals can choose between different employers, it increases the opportunity to find workplaces where engagement, participation, and development are rewarded. This is crucial at a time when the shortage of healthcare personnel is one of the biggest challenges.
Following the 2022 election, however, the course has changed. The current governing coalition of Social Democrats, Center Party, the Green Party, and the Left Party has implemented a restructuring plan that will phase out several healthcare choice options. A total of 13 healthcare areas are affected – from gynecology and ophthalmology to orthopedics and advanced in-home care. Several clinics have already been forced to close, directly impacting patients.
Social Democrats, with Region Councilor Aida Hadzialic at the forefront, talk about “taking back control” of healthcare. But in practice, this means more political micromanagement, fewer private options, and reduced patient choice. This development risks leading to even longer wait times and growing queues with poorer access – precisely what Healthcare Choice was created to solve.
The Center Party has long supported entrepreneurship and choice in welfare. A diversity of healthcare providers makes the system more robust, more innovative, and better equipped to meet future needs.
It’s not about profit or ideology – it’s about the patients.
We agree with the criticism recently leveled by Anders W Jonsson, Christine Lorne, and Karin Fälldin in Dagens Medicin against the proposal to abolish the Law on Choice (LOV) for primary care. A public monopoly where all primary care clinics are run directly or contracted out would inevitably lead to longer wait times, reduced incentives for healthcare development, and poorer choice and working conditions for staff. This applies to healthcare as a whole. Our concern is that this view is not shared by the Social Democrats and other left-leaning parties.
As Stockholm County approaches the next election cycle, it faces a crossroads:
- Should healthcare be controlled more centrally, with fewer options and reduced choice?
- Or should people have more care, shorter wait times, and better access – through stable conditions for both public and private healthcare providers?
The latter is the way forward. Stockholm County needs both public and private forces working together to develop healthcare. It’s not about profit or ideology – it’s about the patients.
When people can choose, quality improves. When companies can contribute, healthcare grows.
Stefan Stern, former State Secretary (S), now advisor and board professional, including Chairman of Mandometer Clinics
Håkan Ekengren, former State Secretary (C), now C local politician in Nacka
