Preparedness in the health and medical services in the event of crises or war

The obligations of municipalities to provide care and help each other during peacetime crisis situations, heightened alert and states of emergency is to be clarified. The Riksdag voted in favour of the Government’s proposal which is intended to strengthen the preparedness of the health and medical services in the event of crises or war.

The decision also means a clarification of the obligations of municipalities, regions and care providers in situations where a state of emergency continues despite help. Furthermore, the responsibility of municipalities and regions to plan for difficult conditions will be clarified. This may, for example, involve incidents in which a large number of people are injured or fall ill. 

In addition, the new rules involve an obligation for municipalities and regions to keep medical supplies in stock.

All of the legislative amendments, with the exception on the new rules on stock-keeping, will come into force on 1 January 2026. The rules on the obligation to keep supplies in stock will come into force on 1 January 2027.