The Swedish Competition Authority commented on the government inquiry <em>Needs-Based Healthcare</em> (SOU 2026:38). It broadly supports abolishing the existing reimbursement and fee system for digital healthcare provided to patients outside a provider’s home region. In a 2022 report, the authority criticised the system for distorting competition between primary-care centres participating in the patient-choice system and private digital healthcare providers receiving cross-regional reimbursement.

The authority says it cannot support or oppose several other proposals, particularly those affecting how digital healthcare is provided, because their competitive effects have not been adequately assessed. The inquiry does not sufficiently analyse market structure, conditions for market entry, effects on innovation and digital healthcare markets, or whether some providers could be unjustifiably favoured over others.

The authority calls for further analysis of how the proposals could affect competition among digital healthcare providers, including whether small or specialised private providers would find it harder to enter the market. It also identifies possible increased administrative burdens and costs for digital providers, slower innovation and changes to the range of healthcare services available. It recommends assessing measures to address any such adverse effects as the proposal is developed further.