Terveydenhuoltojärjestelmän

The Finnish healthcare system, known as terveydenhuoltojärjestelmä, is a publicly funded model aiming to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare services to all residents. It is primarily managed and financed by municipalities, with a significant contribution from the state. The system is characterized by a multi-tiered approach, encompassing primary healthcare, specialized medical care, and social welfare services.

Primary healthcare services are delivered through local health centers, which offer a wide range of services including general medical consultations, preventive care, maternal and child health services, and dental care. Patients typically access specialist care through referrals from these health centers. Specialized medical care is provided by hospitals, ranging from regional hospitals to university hospitals offering advanced treatments and research.

Funding for the Finnish healthcare system comes from taxation, employer contributions, and patient co-payments. While the system is largely publicly funded, private healthcare providers also operate alongside the public sector, offering alternative options for those who choose or require private services. The emphasis is on ensuring equity and accessibility, regardless of an individual's socioeconomic status. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health oversees the national healthcare policy and regulation.