Annukka Laukkanen, a physical therapy entrepreneur from Lappeenranta, has taken the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy for her company Fysio-Saimaa. This decision emerged during a midnight crossfit trip when Laukkanen realized that continuing her business was no longer viable. A significant factor in her decision was the anticipated decrease in service voucher clients, as the South Karelia welfare area is planning to reform its service vouchers, making it impossible to use important respite care vouchers for physical therapy after this spring.

According to Laukkanen, the decline in clients had already begun in the fall due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of service vouchers. The impact of these changes is expected to be felt broadly, with dozens of businesses potentially losing clients as a direct result of the voucher reform. Pasi Toropainen, CEO of the South Karelia Entrepreneurs organization, echoed these concerns, highlighting that this transformation particularly affects medical rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

The situation reflects a broader trend impacting small businesses within the healthcare sector in Finland as they navigate the challenges posed by changing policies and reimbursement structures. The impending changes in service vouchers may lead to fewer jobs and operational sites, amplifying the pressures on existing physical therapy practices and raising questions about the sustainability of such businesses in the current climate.