Magnus Gisslén, the outgoing state epidemiologist, has sharply criticized the Swedish Public Health Agency for its inefficient use of taxpayer money. In a series of LinkedIn videos and a DN article, he highlights the agency's lack of medical expertise and cumbersome processes. His comments have prompted a meeting between the social minister and the agency's director-general.
Magnus Gisslén Criticizes Public Health Agency's Inefficiency: 'A Massive Waste'
Magnus Gisslén Criticizes Public Health Agency's Inefficiency: 'A Massive Waste'
The Swedish Public Health Agency's use of taxpayer money is 'offensive', according to outgoing state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén, who continues to criticize the leadership at his former workplace.
– A massive waste of working time, he says in a video on LinkedIn.
In a debate article in DN and several video clips on LinkedIn, Magnus Gisslén has recently directed sharp criticism at the leadership of the Public Health Agency.
According to him, who assumed the role of state epidemiologist in September 2023, the agency's leadership is characterized by a lack of medical competence, power struggles, and inefficiency.
The statement has led to social minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) summoning Director-General Olivia Wigzell for a discussion.
'A Massive Waste of Working Time'
In a video clip published on Thursday morning, Magnus Gisslén continues to criticize what he perceives as inefficiency at the Public Health Agency.
– Something that surprised me is how inefficient the work at the agency is. It is characterized by sluggishness and cumbersome processes. It is both frustrating and, considering it involves our common tax money, offensive, he says in the video.
Criticizes Meeting Culture
Magnus Gisslén states that he understands that agency work needs to be characterized by thoroughness, but adds that 'this is not where the problem lies'.
– A clear example is the meeting culture. Issues that two or three knowledgeable people could easily and quickly resolve are turned into hours-long meetings with large groups, where insecure managers and others who are not directly involved still participate to monitor their areas. Everyone is expected to have opinions, regardless of whether they have relevant competence or not. A massive waste of working time, he says in the video.
After leaving the role of state epidemiologist, Magnus Gisslén has returned to a position as a professor and chief physician in Gothenburg.