The ongoing healthcare conflict between the Swedish Association of Health Professionals (Vårdförbundet) and employers, represented by Sweden's Municipalities and Regions (SKR), has intensified, now affecting 29 municipalities.

SKR warns this escalation will significantly impact elder care, with overtime restrictions making it difficult to meet the needs of care homes and home care services.

Approximately 63,000 members are participating in the overtime and hiring ban, causing delays and cancellations of non-urgent surgeries.

The situation is currently manageable, but prolonged action could strain healthcare services further, particularly during the summer months.

The new measures involve around 5,000 additional members, including school health services and medical officers.