terveyskeskukseen

Terveyskeskukseen is the illative form of terveyskeskus, meaning “to the health center” or “into the health center.” It is used in Finnish to express movement toward or into such a facility. For example: Menen terveyskeskukseen hakemaan hoitoa, or Olen menossa terveyskeskukseen.

In Finland, terveyskeskus (health center) refers to a municipal or joint municipal authority facility that provides primary health care and preventive services. Typical services include general practitioner visits, nurse care, preventive check-ups, vaccinations, maternity and child health clinics, and often basic dental care. Health centers are usually the first point of contact for residents needing medical advice or treatment and are part of the public health care system. Some municipalities use the term terveystoiminnan kokonaisuus under different organizational names, such as terveysasema, which is often used synonymously with terveyskeskus.

Usage notes: The illative suffix -ukseen in terveyskeskukseen indicates destination (“to the health center”). The corresponding inessive form terveyskeskuksessa means “in the health center.” For example, Maksan laskun terveyskeskukseen? is incorrect; correct forms are “Maksan sen terveyskeskukseen” (to the health center) and “Käyn terveyskeskuksessa” (at the health center).

See also: terveyskeskus, terveysasema, primary health care, Finnish municipal health services.