Lasse Lehtonen, the head of Kela, recounted his harrowing experience in a recent interview with Maaseudun Tulevaisuus, shedding light on a serious health scare he confronted last December. Lehtonen revealed that he was diagnosed with a critical illness that could have led to his death from respiratory arrest due to increased intracranial pressure, had it not been serendipitously discovered. His health crisis escalated after he was removed from his Helsinki flight at the Brussels airport, which received extensive media coverage in Finland.

The diagnosis took place in Brussels, following a series of troubling symptoms that prompted urgent medical attention. Lehtonen was subsequently airlifted to a specialized intensive care unit in Meilahti, Helsinki, on December 13, where he spent nearly two months in recovery, including two weeks in intensive care. The gravity of his situation is underscored by his statement about being on the brink of death during this period, revealing the intense medical oversight he required.

Looking ahead, Lehtonen indicated plans to return to his role as CEO of Kela by early June. However, he noted that he would refrain from engaging with Kela-related matters before his return, suggesting a focus on his recovery. This disclosure highlights not only the resilience needed in the face of life-threatening health issues but also the personal impact on leadership roles within public institutions in Finland.