Dismissal of Folkhälsomyndigheten Director Over Skepticism of 'Existential Health' Initiative Sparks Controversy

In 2024, Karin Tegmark Wisell, then director-general of Folkhälsomyndigheten, Sweden's Public Health Agency, was dismissed after expressing skepticism about the government's push to incorporate the contentious concept of 'existential health' into public health policy. This initiative emerged following the founding of the Fållöknastiftelsen by Birgitta Ed, spouse of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, which aimed to promote existential health through a new project at her estate.

The government assigned Folkhälsomyndigheten to develop work on existential health despite criticism from within the agency regarding the concept's vague definition and lack of scientific consensus. Some officials described the term as "snömos" (nonsense), pointing out that it is a poorly defined, controversial idea rarely grounded in empirical research. Critics also noted confusion around its distinctiveness from mental health issues and questioned its legitimacy, as it is not recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Sources indicate Tegmark Wisell's departure was linked to her questioning of the scientific basis for the existential health assignment. However, Social Minister Jakob Forssmed denied these claims, stating she was not critical of the assignment and that her removal was related to her appointment as an ambassador for global health. Nonetheless, observers, including former state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén, have described her resignation as possibly involuntary.

The government allocated 8 million kronor to the project, with involvement from various actors, including funding linked to the John Templeton Foundation, known for supporting spirituality and health research. The controversy has raised concerns over political influence on public health agencies and misinformation surrounding the initiative, including inaccurate claims about WHO's endorsement.

The dismissal has stirred debate about the boundaries between scientific integrity and political directives within Sweden's health governance.