There will be no fees for interpreters at doctor's visits in Blekinge. The Administrative Court is now overturning the region's previous decision, citing a lack of legal support.
The region, governed by a majority of the Sweden Democrats, The Moderate Party, and the Christian Democrats, decided in February that those who have had a residence permit for more than two years would no longer be entitled to free interpreters at doctor's visits.
The decision has been criticized by, among others, healthcare personnel, and several residents in the region appealed to the Administrative Court.
A region may indeed charge fees for services it provides, but the court writes in its decision that a fee for an interpreter "does not constitute a healthcare fee in the legal sense".
The Sweden Democrats will appeal the verdict to the Court of Appeal, reports Altinget. The party, however, expects to lose there and will then request a leave to appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court.
