Neuvolat

Neuvolat are municipal public health clinics in Finland that provide preventive health services to families with children and expectant parents. They function within the public health care system and are a core component of early childhood and maternal health services.

Typically, a family engages with a neuvola from pregnancy through the start of formal schooling (around age six). Services include growth and developmental monitoring for infants and children, vaccination according to the national schedule, hearing and vision screening, and screening for developmental delays. Neuvolat also offer guidance on nutrition, sleep, safety, early education, and parenting, and may arrange home visits for newborns or families with special needs. When concerns arise, they refer families to pediatricians, psychologists, or other specialists and coordinate with maternity clinics and social services.

Care is provided by public health nurses, with support from physicians and other professionals such as psychologists or social workers. The exact team can vary by municipality.

Neuvolat are funded by municipalities as part of Finland's universal health care system. They are generally provided to residents with minimal or no direct charges, and appointments are arranged through local health centers.