Health Services System of Sweden

Abstract

National Authority Numerous agencies cooperate to run the Swedish National Health Service. All health services available to the public are subject to control by the National Government. Many activities of the health service are run by local authorities, and in fields such as outpatient services and pharmacy some functions are performed by private persons. In Sweden, unlike other Scandinavian countries, government activity takes place on two levels-in the ministries and in the national administrative boards. The boards, which supervise and direct government activity and State institutions according to directives of the legislature and the cabinet, are responsible to the Crown. Thus, the Minisiter of Social Affairs has no authority over the Director General of the National Board of Health and Social Affairs. The nlational boards are, therefore, largely autonomous. The National Board of Health and Social Affairs is the most important central administrative body directing the National Health Service. The board supervises general health and pharmaceutical ;services, controls treatment of the ill in general and private hospitals, and supervises the work of medical personnel and the hospitals, pharmacies, and other institutions. It also has many administrative responsibilities.