Rydman defends care tech reform, signals NGO cuts in Yle interview

2026-03-14 - 14:04

Finland’s Social Affairs and Health Minister Wille Rydman has defended a controversial government proposal on digital technology in elder care while signalling further reductions in funding for social and health organisations, prompting criticism from opposition lawmakers. Speaking on Yle’s Ykkösaamu programme, Rydman rejected claims that the government plans to replace care workers with technology in residential elder care facilities. The proposal would allow staffing requirements in round-the-clock care to be lowered if certain tasks can be carried out through technological monitoring or digital services.