"We are in a time when Sweden needs to plan for the worst. But preparedness is lacking. We cannot have a daily routine that makes healthcare and care unable to handle a war from day one", writes Eriksson, referring to a survey conducted by the National Board of Health and Welfare.
The Director-General continues to write that few municipalities have a current continuity plan that includes both reserve routines, return routines, and necessary contact information, and that a low proportion of municipalities have an evacuation plan for housing operated by themselves, decided at the management level.
"It's about such obvious things as knowing where the elderly and sick should go when the crisis is at the door. How placed young people will get food and protection, or how staff will cope with a prolonged crisis".
The National Board of Health and Welfare urges municipalities and regions to strengthen their preparedness and to seek support when needed.
"Experiences from other war-stricken countries show that a smooth and well-functioning healthcare system is the key to coping with a war", writes Eriksson.
