Jeanette Pajunen, the Health and Healthcare Director of ÅHS (Ålands Hälso- och sjukvård), resigned from her position with immediate effect on November 28, 2025. Her departure follows a period of intense scrutiny and a confirmed loss of confidence from the ÅHS board. The board's chairperson, Sara Kemetter (S), stated that had Pajunen not tendered her resignation, the board would have initiated her termination.
Seven Years of Leadership at ÅHS
Pajunen had served as the Health and Healthcare Director for seven years, having been appointed to the role in December 2017. During her tenure, ÅHS navigated significant challenges and implemented major initiatives. According to a press release from ÅHS, under her leadership, the organization successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic, embarked on a new era of digitalization, and advanced the development of a new care information system (VIS).
Reasons for Departure and Board's Stance
In statements to the media, Pajunen cited an 'untenable' work situation and declared, 'I have simply had enough.' She further elaborated that her 'measure is now full' and that it was time for her to 'get a life.' The resignation comes after 'much in the public eye about ÅHS recently,' with issues including the implementation of the new care system and concerns over non-procured legal services. There were also discussions regarding the information flow to the board about the VIS project and allegations of nepotism concerning her husband's role in the project, which Pajunen dismissed.
While initially reserved about the circumstances of Pajunen's departure, ÅHS board chairperson Sara Kemetter later confirmed the board's position. Kemetter explicitly stated that the board's confidence in Pajunen was 'shaken' and that 'if Jeanette Pajunen had not raised the issue of resignation, the ÅHS board would have done so.' Despite the circumstances of her resignation, Social and Health Minister Arsim Zekaj (S) and Kemetter acknowledged Pajunen's 'significant contributions,' particularly in leading ÅHS through the pandemic and its modernization efforts.
Interim Leadership and Future Outlook
Effective December 1, 2025, Peter Nieminen, who is the chief physician, will assume the role of temporary Health and Healthcare Director. He will serve in this capacity during the period required to recruit a permanent successor. The ÅHS leadership group, in collaboration with clinics and units, is now tasked with planning the organization's future structure. The board emphasizes that the focus remains on ensuring safe and sustainable solutions for ÅHS patients and staff.
7 Comments
Bella Ciao
While her contributions during the pandemic were significant, the issues surrounding the new care system and board confidence are serious concerns that need addressing.
Mariposa
It's understandable she felt the situation was 'untenable' after so much scrutiny, but the board's clear lack of confidence suggests deeper management problems at play.
Muchacho
Public scrutiny is brutal. Good for her for prioritizing her well-being.
Katchuka
Resigning just before termination? Not exactly a glowing exit.
paracelsus
Seven years is a long tenure with many achievements like digitalization, yet the allegations of nepotism and procurement issues cast a shadow on her overall performance.
Donatello
Her decision to resign is probably for the best, allowing her to move on, but the organization still needs to transparently resolve the issues that led to this crisis of confidence.
anubis
Finally, she gets to 'get a life'! Seven years is a long haul.