Region Västra Götaland

Region Västra Götaland works on increased integration and inclusion

Region Västra Götaland's role linked to integration and regional development

In VGR's regional development mission, a goal is to give residents in West Götaland the best possible conditions to feel healthy and develop. Stronger integration with reduced exclusion is one of the most important issues for West Götaland's long-term development and thus one of the important issues for VGR to work on within the framework of its regional development mission.

VGR sees diversity as an asset that contributes to the region's growth and development. To receive asylum seekers, new arrivals and foreigners is a humanitarian and solidarity act, but VGR also sees the great potential of this group to enrich society with diversity, talent, entrepreneurship, and much needed labor.

Hence a long-term goal for VGR's work with integration is that many more new arrivals and foreign born people enter the labor market. Having employment is a prerequisite for feeling connectivity and integrating into society. In addition, many industries are in dire need of labor and there is a lack of expertise in some sectors. At the same time, unemployment is high among those who are far from the labor market, in particular among foreigners born.

Matching new arrivals and foreign born residents to the needs of the labor market is still a major challenge. The aim is to utilize the competencies and work experience of new arrivals and foreign born residents while at the same time meeting the needs of workforce and skills in the short and long term, as well as working towards long-term jobs. Job-oriented education is an important component in achieving this goal.

Crucial for integration in the labor market is increased accessibility to healthcare as well as the prevention of ill health. At the same time, increased integration in the labor market and participation in society leads to better health. Participation in education, leisure and cultural activities as well as in political life are important components.

Region Västra Götaland´s role linked to integration and health care

The aim of Swedish health care under the Health Care Act (1982: 763) is good health and care on equal terms for the entire population. This means that regardless of who you are, you will receive a care based on your requirements and needs.

Among people who migrated to Sweden, just like in other groups in society, there is a great variety of health status and care needs, which in turn impacts on the interventions that are required from healthcare and dental care. 

The healthcare sector of the VGR works in different ways to reduce thresholds, thus increasing accessibility to care for those persons and groups of patients who do not always seek care despite of their needs; to better meet the different needs of patients and to take advantage of their resources based on a person-centered approach.

One of the most important tasks of the healthcare sector is to work for more equal health and here an important role is played in promoting health promotion and preventive work.