Authorities in Kuopio, Finland, have confirmed that an anesthesiologist is the sole suspect in a case of manslaughter concerning the death of a patient who passed away post-anesthesia during an MRI scan conducted at the Pihlajalinna medical center in January 2025. The ongoing investigation has not revealed any additional suspects, according to lead investigator Tiina Borg.

Pihlajalinna's medical director, Sari Riihijärvi, stated in February that the medical center would no longer collaborate with the anesthesiologist implicated in the investigation. However, Borg clarified that there are no allegations against Pihlajalinna or its staff regarding any wrongdoing in this incident. The details of whether the anesthesiologist has denied or acknowledged the allegations remain unclear, as Borg declined to comment when approached by media reporters.

The preliminary investigation is expected to be presented to prosecutors for review by the end of March. The anesthesiologist’s company reportedly also provided anesthesia services to a fertility clinic, but further revelations about this connection or the implications for that facility have not been disclosed. Yle had earlier reported on this criminal investigation last March, highlighting the seriousness of the ongoing inquiry into patient safety practices in Finnish healthcare settings.