Session Profile: Eero Merilind

The core political stance is treating healthcare and welfare as an investment, rather than an expense, underscoring its crucial importance for the integrity of the nation ("without health, there is no state"). The speaker strongly endorses the objectives of the "Estonia 2035" strategy: increasing the number of healthy life years and reducing inequality across education, gender, and region. This position is grounded in both policy and values, emphasizing compassion and a people-centered approach. The priority is establishing a sustainable healthcare system and an equitable welfare state.

The speaker demonstrates strong competence in the field of social and health policy, utilizing specific statistical data regarding disparities in life expectancy and health (e.g., an 18-year gap in life expectancy, an average life expectancy of 79.5 years). Technical terminology is employed (such as patient co-payments for inpatient nursing care, and the gene-based breast cancer prevention program). Furthermore, a detailed overview is given of system financing and development strategies (Hospital Network Development Directions 2040). The critical role of personalized medicine and prevention is specifically underscored.

The speaking style is formal and structured, employing both logical arguments (statistics, reducing the Health Insurance Fund deficit) and emotional emphasis on people’s lives and dignified aging for persuasion. The tone is optimistic regarding the future, especially in connection with the "Estonia 2035" goals, but strongly stresses the necessity of tackling health inequality. The speaker uses a rhetorical question (investment vs. expenditure) to frame their core position.

The speaker refers to active communication with members of the government, specifically mentioning a conversation held last week with the Minister of Finance regarding investment in healthcare. This is a presentation delivered at a plenary session of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), which indicates regular participation in parliamentary work. Other activity patterns (such as the frequency of public appearances or travel) are not identifiable based on the data provided.

Direct political opponents are neither named nor criticized. The only indirect opposition is aimed at a mindset that views healthcare as an expense rather than an investment. The speaker presents a strong political counter-argument to this view, using the question posed by the Minister of Finance as an example. The criticism is directed at the political understanding, not at the individuals themselves.

The style of cooperation is inclusive and consensual, addressing the Riigikogu as "dear colleagues" and emphasizing "Eesti 2035" as a shared agreement. The joint achievements of the government and the Riigikogu are highlighted ("We have made several important decisions"), indicating successful collaboration in shaping social and health policy. The speaker thanks the Minister of Social Affairs for the excellent presentation.

The speaker focuses on regional disparities in healthcare, citing the five-year difference in healthy life years between residents of Hiiumaa and Võrumaa as a key example. Future plans emphasize ensuring a uniform quality of primary healthcare nationwide across Estonia, demonstrating a commitment to reducing regional gaps at the national level.

The economic viewpoint is that healthcare is an investment, which is a prerequisite for the functioning of the economy and the state, not merely an expense. Support is given to fiscal responsibility in the healthcare sector, highlighting the halving of the Health Insurance Fund's (Tervisekassa) deficit and the goal of creating a reserve of over 200 million euros by 2029. Support is also provided for reducing the care burden through the use of welfare technologies.

Social policy is central to the discussion, emphasizing the reduction of inequalities in health and well-being across education, gender, and region. Specific measures include lowering the co-payment for inpatient nursing care, revising benefits for single parents, and increasing pension and disability allowances. Separate emphasis is placed on securing permanent funding for mental health services via local governments and ensuring dignified and independent aging for the elderly.

The speaker is focusing on the implementation of major strategic development plans (e.g., Development Directions of the Hospital Network 2040, Primary Healthcare Development Plan 2035) and ensuring the integrity of the system. Achievements listed include the reduction of the patient co-payment for inpatient nursing care, the expansion of the drug reimbursement system, and the adoption of the new Public Health Service Act. Future priorities include launching a gene-based breast cancer prevention program and finalizing the family policy action plan.