Social Ministry Seeks 200 Million for Care Services in Budget Negotiations

The Social Ministry is requesting 200 million over the next four years in autumn state budget talks to create additional care places and raise wages for care workers. Ministry Chancellor Maarjo Mändmaa expressed hope that the government will take the funding request more seriously in light of the Supreme Court's spring ruling.

The Social Ministry is entering autumn state budget negotiations with a 200 million funding request aimed at strengthening the care services sector over the next four years. Ministry Chancellor Maarjo Mändmaa explained on Vikerraadio's "Uudis+" programme that the money is needed both to create new care places and to raise wages for people working in care homes.

Maarjo Mändmaa expressed hope that the government will treat the ministry's funding request far more seriously this time, particularly thanks to the Supreme Court's spring ruling. The court's decision has created clear legal pressure that compels the state to address the care services situation.

The care services sector in Estonia has been underfunded for years, and wages for workers in this field have lagged significantly behind those of other health and social sector employees. This has led to labour shortages, causing the creation of new care places to stall in many parts of the country.