Health and social services have to respond to people's needs and societal changes – developing the services is continuing

Reforming health and social services is necessary to ensure people's fundamental rights and equal provision of services. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is continuing this work and developing the services together with other stakeholders. The work done so far will be utilised.

Preparations concerning the regional government, health and social services reform during this government term have ended. However, the challenges facing the health and social services system have not disappeared: coordination of services is insufficient, there are problems with availability of services, costs are increasing and the population is ageing. Experts widely share an understanding that the services should be organised by larger bases than at present.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will continue to reform the health and social services and the service coordination in line with current legislation. The development work can be taken forward with present organisations.

The development of health and social services will utilise the broad-based preparations carried out so far. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health considers it very important that the good cooperation with regions and various stakeholders continues.

In the next few days, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will form an overall picture of the present situation and inform of future steps. The next Government Programme will define the measures to be undertaken during the coming government term and outline how healthcare and social welfare will be developed.
 

Inquiries:

Kirsi Varhila, Director-General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 2951 63 338, firstname.lastname(at)stm.fi