Markku Tervahauta appointed as Director-General of the National Institute for Health and Welfare

On Thursday 18 October, the Finnish Government appointed Markku Tervahauta as Director-General of the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Tervahauta will take up his duties on 1 January 2019. The appointment is for a fixed period until 31 December 2023.

Tervahauta has served as Director General of the Department for Wellbeing and Services at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health since February 2018. Before that, he worked at the local government level as Director of Health and Social Services, first in the City of Lahti since 2009 and then in the City of Kuopio since 2010. He worked as chief executive of the Municipality of Leppävirta from 2005 to 2009. Tervahauta is a Doctor of Medical Science.

The Director-General leads the activities of THL, is responsible for achieving the performance targets set for the agency, and ensures that the agency’s duties will be managed economically and effectively. The Director-General monitors the development in THL’s area of responsibility and is in charge of the agency’s general development and of reforming its activities.

The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is a research and development agency operating in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. It is subject to performance management by the Ministry. THL serves state and local government policy-makers, health and social services operators, third-sector operators, the research community and citizens. THL works to promote the health and wellbeing of the Finnish population.

A total of 15 candidates applied for the post.

Inquiries

Päivi Sillanaukee, Permanent Secretary, tel. +358 2951 63356, [email protected]