Jevgeni Ossinovski: Tallinn could build a new hospital by itself
Former Tallinn mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski criticizes the city council's decision to halt the establishment of a new medical campus, asserting that the capital can construct the hospital without state co-funding.
Jevgeni Ossinovski, the former mayor of Tallinn and a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDE), has publicly criticized the Tallinn city government's recent decision to terminate plans for a new medical campus. Ossinovski argues that the capital city has the financial capability to independently build a hospital without relying on government co-funding. This statement comes amidst growing concerns about healthcare infrastructure in Tallinn, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the existing hospitals in the region.
The decision to halt the construction of the new medical campus has sparked a heated debate within the local political landscape. Many proponents of the new facility believed it was essential for modernizing healthcare services in Tallinn and addressing the needs of a growing population. In contrast, opponents of the project have cited budgetary constraints and prioritization of other municipal projects as reasons for the city's decision.
Ossinovski's remarks highlight the broader implications of healthcare funding and local governance in Estonia. By suggesting that Tallinn can pursue these projects independently, he potentially shifts the conversation towards how local municipalities in Estonia can take more proactive roles in health infrastructure development, possibly paving the way for future discussions on local versus national responsibilities in healthcare financing.