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Poverty: Many low-income individuals now forgo even medication, says experienced deacon
🇫🇮 Finland /Culture & Society

Poverty: Many low-income individuals now forgo even medication, says experienced deacon

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Many low-income individuals are foregoing necessary medication due to financial hardship.
  • A deacon in Vantaa, Finland, observes that people's lives have become increasingly difficult, impacting even small desires like summer holidays.
  • The inability to afford basic healthcare and small pleasures highlights the severe economic struggles faced by vulnerable populations.

Diakoni Liisa Juusela, who works with lonely and state-supported individuals in Vantaa, Finland, expresses deep concern over the growing hardship faced by people. She notes that even modest aspirations, such as a summer trip to Helsinki to see the sea, are out of reach for some due to the cost of a bus ticket.

If people have little money, their hopes for a summer holiday can also be small. If they could perhaps go to Helsinki to see the sea.

— Liisa JuuselaThe deacon describes the limited aspirations of those she helps.

Juusela's observations reveal a stark reality where financial constraints prevent individuals from seeking timely medical treatment. This situation worries her immensely, as untreated ailments can lead to more severe health issues. The struggle extends beyond essential healthcare, affecting people's ability to afford basic necessities and simple joys.

I haven't been to Helsinki in years because the bus trip there is too expensive.

— Unnamed individualAn individual explains their inability to afford basic travel.

The deacon's firsthand experience underscores the widening gap between the cost of living and the income of the most vulnerable. Her work involves assisting those living on social benefits, and she has witnessed a significant deterioration in their living conditions over recent years. The inability to afford medication and basic transportation paints a grim picture of poverty's impact on daily life and well-being in Finland.

What will happen to people's health if they cannot afford to treat their ailments in time.

— Liisa JuuselaThe deacon expresses concern about the long-term health consequences of untreated conditions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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