Markus Henriksson to continue as Director General of National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health until end of 2025

On Thursday 20 June, the Government appointed Markus Henriksson as Director General of the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) until the end of 2025.

Henriksson was appointed to the post for a fixed term between 1 January and 31 December 2025 due to the reform of regional state administration. The reform will merge Valvira and the Regional State Administrative Agencies into a new national agency. The new agency will also take on some of the functions of the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) related to the environment. Regional state administration will begin operating under the new organisation in 2026 at the latest.

The Government had previously appointed Henriksson to serve as Director General until the end of 2024.  

Henriksson has served as Director General of Valvira since 2017. Henriksson holds the degree of Doctor of Medical Science.

The Director General leads Valvira’s activities, is responsible for achieving the performance targets set for the agency and ensures that the agency's duties are carried out economically and effectively. The Director General also monitors development in Valvira’s field of activity and is in charge of the general development and reforming of the agency’s operations. The Director General is appointed by the Government.

The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health monitors the activities of healthcare and social welfare services, the alcohol trade and environmental healthcare services. Valvira is also the national licensing authority for healthcare and social welfare, and it guides the activities of the Regional State Administrative Agencies. Valvira works to ensure consistent licensing, guidance and supervision practices throughout the country.

Inquiries

Liisa Perttula, Director of Human Resources and Administration, tel. +358 2951 63521, [email protected]