Studies have shown that a naprapath can be a good alternative to an orthopedist for certain conditions. Access to this type of treatment depends on whether the patient's regional health authority has such an agreement in place. It is problematic that a person's place of residence affects their access to various rehabilitation services. Therefore, regional health authorities should to a greater extent offer more recognized treatment methods beyond the conventional ones. People's access to effective rehabilitation is crucial for their ability to return to working life.
Rehabilitation and preventive treatment are currently tax-exempt benefits. This helps many working people gain access to effective treatments through their employers without having to pay high fees. A few years ago, the Swedish Tax Agency classified naprapathic treatments as private healthcare, which has contributed to more employers offering them as an employee benefit. These initiatives from companies are encouraging. Our society needs greater flexibility regarding rehabilitation efforts and preventive treatment.
However, it is not reasonable to assume that the need for treatments such as naprapathy exists only among the working population. For those far from the labor market, such interventions are important for increasing the chances of returning to work. Of the approximately 1.5 million naprapathic treatments performed each year in Sweden, only about 2-3 percent are publicly funded. There is an opportunity here to improve the system, and regional health authorities need to review how these patients can also gain access to this type of treatment.
In addition to the positive effect for patients in the form of increased treatment options, regional health authorities can also benefit from an increased range of alternative treatment methods. Many patients wait a long time in queues, and when they finally get an appointment with an orthopedist, no treatment is provided. Meanwhile, patients with more serious problems have to wait unnecessarily long. A study from Blekinge Competence Center shows that a naprapath can be as effective as an orthopedist for certain patients. This, in turn, relieves the burden on regional health authorities and thereby shortens waiting lists for orthopedists for other patients. The socioeconomic benefits of patients not having to wait a long time for treatment are significant. The individual benefit of receiving help quickly should not be underestimated either.
Offering people adequate care and opportunities for rapid rehabilitation is an important and challenging task for regional health authorities. The promising results from the study in Blekinge open up the possibility that a large proportion of those on short- and long-term sick leave in Sweden could return to working life faster. However, it is crucial that they are offered recognized treatments such as naprapathy to a greater extent as a complement to regular healthcare. The gains for society and for the individuals are great, and I welcome such an initiative from those responsible in the regional health authority.
Marta Obminska
Member of Parliament for Uppsala County (Moderate Party)