A major healthcare strike has commenced, affecting critical hospitals in Sweden.

Roughly 2,000 healthcare professionals across five regions, including Stockholm and Västra Götaland, are participating.

Emergency services and vital care such as neonatal and cancer wards are excluded from the strike.

Regions have advised patients to keep planned appointments unless told otherwise.

Prolonged wait times and postponed procedures are expected in some areas, with further strike actions planned next week.