I have now summoned the Director-General of the Public Health Agency for a follow-up meeting where I expect the agency to account for how they ensure medical competence in the decisions they make, says Jakob Forssmed.
He also wants to know what measures the agency is taking to maintain trust in the infectious disease control area.
The meeting is planned to take place on Monday.
Can take several measures
The background is that the outgoing state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén has strongly criticized the Public Health Agency for lacking deeper medical competence in the management team.
He has specifically questioned why the Public Health Agency in February withdrew recommendations for increased testing and treatment with penicillin in case of suspected tonsillitis. This was to reduce the spread of infection and serious infections. The decision was made by a department head in the management team.
Gisslén has also said that he is concerned about the agency's ability to handle a future pandemic that may well prove to be much more serious than the one we have just gone through.
Olivia Wigzell says in turn to Dagens Nyheter that they are taking several measures after the criticism, such as a review of the medical competence linked to infectious disease control, which may lead to organizational changes. Among other things, the role of the state epidemiologist will be reviewed.
"Better pandemic preparedness now"
Gisslén also points out that the Public Health Agency needs to be reformed fundamentally. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed agrees to some extent, but also says that an examination from the National Audit Office has shown that the agency would not benefit from being divided into two parts – as it was before.
He is not concerned about Sweden's preparedness.
My conviction is that it is better than when the pandemic hit Sweden. The Public Health Agency has made a number of changes that mean they are better equipped today.
He also says that he has continued confidence in Olivia Wigzell.
She is a skilled Director-General who has long experience of leading an agency with deep expertise and knowledge, namely the National Board of Health and Welfare. But I expect to get a clear account at the meeting on Monday of how they ensure medical competence.
