Terveysvalvonta

Terveysvalvonta, meaning health surveillance or public health supervision, refers to the system of regulatory oversight and monitoring by Finnish authorities that safeguard population health by supervising health-related services, environments, and products. The term covers activities designed to prevent harm, ensure safety and quality, and promote health.

The scope includes licensing and supervision of health care and social welfare providers, ensuring patient safety, and the oversight of health professionals and facilities. It also encompasses surveillance of communicable diseases and outbreaks, vaccination programs, and environmental health measures such as water quality and sanitation, as well as food safety where relevant to public health. In practice, responsibilities are distributed among national agencies and regional authorities.

In Finland, health surveillance is conducted by several bodies working together. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) collects and analyzes health data and issues guidance; The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) oversees licensing and supervision of health and social care providers and professionals; Regional State Administrative Agencies (AVI) supervise compliance at the regional and local levels; The Finnish Food Authority handles food safety and related risks; the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) regulates medicines and medical devices. Local municipalities play a key role in the day-to-day supervision of health care delivery and welfare services.

The aim of terve ysvalvonta is to protect public health, ensure the safety and quality of health services, prevent disease and health hazards, and support evidence-based policy and risk communication.