Hannu Lauerma, the chief physician at the psychiatric prison hospital and a well-known forensic psychiatrist, has voiced strong support for increasing funding for mental health services for prisoners. His comments follow a recent report by Deputy-Ombudsman Maija Sakslin, which highlighted that prisoners' rights to adequate mental health services are not being fulfilled. Lauerma aligns himself with Sakslin's findings while acknowledging the positive step of addressing the issue publicly. The report has raised alarms about the inadequacy of current services and their potential illegality, particularly concerning the rights of inmates with conditions like ADHD who face long wait times for necessary assessments.

According to Lauerma, the growing number of inmates with severe psychiatric conditions necessitates urgent attention and financial support. He notes a disturbing trend where prisoners are increasingly affected by mental health issues, indicating that prisons are becoming a de facto site for individuals with significant psychological needs. This reality compounds the existing resource shortages in the system, which is exacerbated by inadequate funding and staffing within mental health services targeted at this vulnerable population.

The implications of this situation demand the attention of government ministries, as Lauerma stresses that the current inadequacies in mental health care could lead to far-reaching consequences, not just for the prisoners but also for the broader society. A commitment to investing in mental health services for inmates is essential not only for the well-being of these individuals but also for the overall effectiveness of the corrections system in Finland. Without addressing these financial constraints, the cycle of reoffending and the challenges of rehabilitation will likely persist, having lasting repercussions for both prisoners and society at large.