Terveysasema

Terveysasema, meaning health station or health center in Finnish, is a municipal health care facility providing primary health care services to residents. It forms the core of Finland's primary health care system, complementing hospital and social services. They are typically run by the local municipality or jointly with welfare regions and funded through municipal budgets and state subsidies.

Services offered at terveyasemat include general practitioner and nurse consultations, preventive care, vaccinations, chronic disease management, and maternal and child health services (neuvola). They provide mental health support, health counseling, and referrals to specialist care when needed. Many centers operate on-site laboratories or imaging services, while others coordinate with external networks. Access is typically arranged through appointment-based care, nurse triage, and, in some centers, limited walk-in hours; home visits may be available for patients who cannot travel.

Access and organization: residents usually register with a health center for non-emergency care, while emergencies are directed to the emergency number (112) or hospital emergency departments. A patient is often assigned a regular contact person, such as a general practitioner or nurse, to ensure continuity of care. The system aims to provide accessible and affordable care, with wait times guided by national standards.

Context: terveyasemat operate within Finland’s public health care framework overseen by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Some centers may collaborate with private providers or occupational health services.