According to the law, the welfare area must have sufficient own production. According to the 2nd vice-chairman of the regional board, Harju’s health cannot expand any further.
The regional government of Päijät-Häme decided on Tuesday that Harju health will take over Hartola’s health services from the beginning of next year. Harju health currently operates in Lahti, Kärkölä and Iiti. Harju health is owned by Mehiläinen oy with a 51% share and Päijät-Sote with a 49% share.
The expansion was a unanimous decision
– Direct procurement could no longer be continued, as there could have been a complaint about it. Transferring Hartola to Päijät-Sote’s own production would, on the other hand, have created more jobs.
In 2020, the Päijät-Häme welfare association has signed an agreement with Harju health, according to which Harju health has the option to expand its operations to other municipalities in Päijät-Häme. According to Viinika, Hartola’s services are only a small part, which does not significantly increase the share of private operators in service production.
– Harju’s health can no longer be extended. Hartola was now considered so small that it was still connected to Harju’s health. At least for me personally, this was a difficult decision, says Viinikka.
Viinikka criticized the fact that Hartola’s decision had to be made on a quick schedule. Hartola’s contract with the current service provider ends at the turn of the year.
– The strong will is that Hollola, Asikkala or Heinola are not outsourced, states Lehtimäki.
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