Central

The central government is responsible for:

• The formulation of principles and guidelines;
• Setting up of the political agenda;
• Passing laws and ordinances, and
• Concluding agreements with the SALAR.

Regional

Most healthcare is decentralised to County councils. Regions enjoy considerable freedom of action. Healthcare is the primary responsibility for the County Administrative board, over other policy areas.

Regional authorities are responsible for:

• Provision of good‑quality health and medical care (medical centres, doctors' surgeries, district nursing clinics, hospitals, university hospitals);
• Promotion of good health, and
• Dental care for local residents up to the age of 23.

Local

Some aspects of healthcare are decentralised to the municipal level. Local authorities enjoy a considerable freedom of action.

Municipal authorities are responsible for:

• Elderly care;
• Care for the disabled;
• Support and services for people released from hospital care;
• School healthcare, and
• Emergency and rescue services.

Responsible bodies, ministeries

Ministry of Health and Social Affairs

National agencies include:

National Institute of Public Health National Board of Health

The Medical Responsibility Board

The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care

The Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Board

The Medical Products Agency

Sources

Healthcare in Sweden

Förordning (2017:868) med länsstyrelseinstruktion [Ordinance (2017:868) with the County instructions. Entered into force 1 November 2017, Amended through SFS 2019:1125.

Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, Startpage/Municipalities, County councils and Regions/The activities of the County councils and regions.