Following sharp criticism from outgoing state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén, the Swedish Public Health Agency (FHM) plans to reassess its medical expertise and organizational structure. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed demands further investigation and action from the agency.
Swedish Public Health Agency Reverses Course After Criticism
Swedish Public Health Agency Reverses Course After Criticism
The Swedish Public Health Agency (FHM) has reversed its stance following criticism from Magnus Gisslén. The agency will now review its expertise, reports Ekot.
– The leadership team should reflect the agency's collective competence, says Director General Olivia Wigzell to Ekot.
Outgoing state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén has criticized the agency for lacking medical expertise, power struggles, and inefficiency.
FHM had previously dismissed the criticism but is now changing course. The agency will implement several measures.
– One of the actions we will take is a review of the medical expertise related to infection control, to see how we utilize that expertise. This may lead to organizational changes, says Director General Olivia Wigzell to DN.
Among other things, the role of the state epidemiologist will be reviewed.
– The incoming state epidemiologist and I have agreed that he will attend all agenda items in the leadership group, says Olivia Wigzell to Ekot.
Social Minister Demands Action
Earlier on Thursday, Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) announced that he will once again summon Olivia Wigzell for a meeting. The minister demands that the agency investigates the situation and proposes measures.
Magnus Gisslén assumed the role of state epidemiologist in September 2023, succeeding Anders Tegnell. After FHM ended Gisslén's assignment, he chose to resign. He now returns to his position as a professor and senior physician in Gothenburg.