Terveystoimi

Terveystoimi is a Finnish term referring to the public health service system administered by municipalities and joint municipal authorities. It encompasses the preventive and primary health care functions that serve residents, including units such as health centers, maternity and child health clinics, and school health services. The aim is to provide accessible health care and promote health and well-being across the population.

In Finland, terveystoimi is primarily organized and funded at the municipal level, with guidance and coordination provided by national authorities. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health sets overarching policy, while the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) produces statistics, guidance, and public health recommendations. The system emphasizes universal access and equity, ensuring that residents have entry points to care based on their place of residence.

Services typically covered under terveystoimi include basic medical care provided by general practitioners and nurses, preventive and preventive-promotive services such as immunizations and health counseling, maternal and child health services, and school health services. Public health nursing and disease prevention programs are also part of the public health mandate. While primarily public, the health system may involve private providers in some cases, with public services remaining the main avenue for essential care and access.

Financing for terveystoimi comes mainly from municipal taxation, with patient fees for certain services and cost-sharing mechanisms supported by national health insurance. Reforms and modernization efforts focus on better integration of health and social services, digitalization of records, and streamlined access to care, while maintaining the core principle of universal, equitable public health provision.