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8.8.2025 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health proposes appropriations of EUR 14.8 billion for the Ministry and its branch of government for 2026. This is about EUR 475 million less than in the 2025 Budget. The funding of wellbeing services counties is not included in the appropriations for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and its branch of government. Instead, it falls under the main title of the Ministry of Finance.

6.9.2024 | On 6 September 2024, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health gave an account of the further preparation of the reform concerning the system of hospitals and emergency care services and the division of duties in specialised healthcare. The Ministry also gave an account of the more than 100 (around 140) comments that were received on the reform.

14.7.2023 | Starting on 1 September 2023, non-urgent care in primary health care must be provided to people more quickly. The maximum waiting time for outpatient care will be shortened from three months to 14 days, and the maximum waiting time for oral health care from six months to four months.

23.11.2023 | The minimum staffing level for care personnel in units providing 24-hour care for older people will rise from the current minimum level of 0.65 employees per client to 0.7 employees per client on 1 January 2028. During the transition period, the service structure will be developed and a number of measures will be taken to improve the availability of healthcare and social welfare personnel. 

5.3.2025 | On 5 March 2025, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Finance organised a roundtable discussion hosted by four ministers on the topic of how to promote research in the field of healthcare and social welfare.

11.2.2026 | The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Finnish missions abroad provided consular services to approximately 245,000 customers in 2025. In addition, the Ministry’s 24/7 service was contacted around 6,700 times over the course of the year.

27.2.2025 | On Thursday 27 February, the Government submitted a supplementary budget proposal for 2025 to Parliament. The key proposal in the supplementary budget is an increase to the defence materiel assistance provided to Ukraine. The proposal also includes an increase to revenue estimates.

28.8.2024 | A wide range of national and international experts have gathered in Finland to find solutions for supporting healthcare and social welfare personnel’s mental health, wellbeing and ability to cope at work. This two-day seminar in Helsinki is organised jointly by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization (WHO).

7.4.2020 | On 7 April 2020, the Government decided at an extraordinary Government session to prolong the validity of the decision on the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders and the restrictions on traffic. The validity period was extended from 14 April 2020 to 13 May 2020.

26.4.2024 | Prime Minister Orpo’s Government spending limits discussion 15–16 April 2024 New adjustment measures strengthening public finances 1 (6) Impact on general government finances, total, EUR million Impact on central government, EUR million Estimated ...

26.4.2024 | VALTIONEUVOSTO PL 23, 00023 Valtioneuvosto vn.fi p. 0295 16001 STATSRÅDET PB 23, 00023 Statsrådet vn.fi/sv Tfn 0295 16001 1(5) Prime Minister Orpo’s Government spending limits discussion 15–16 April 2024 Entries in the meeting minutes State of gen...

19.9.2023 | In its first budget session, the Government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo decided on solutions that will return Finland to a sustainable growth track. The Government will launch structural reforms to boost employment and growth, which will have positive impacts on general government finances in the next few years. In addition, the Government decided on consolidation measures.

20.6.2024 | 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.

20.12.2023 | Additional common EU reserves will be established in Finland. The new reserves will contain supplies such as medicines, medical supplies and medical devices, and they are part of the rescEU project. Finland has received a total of EUR 305 million in funding from the European Commission for the establishment of the reserves

11.9.2024 | FINNISH GOVERNMENT PO BOX 23, 00023 GOVERNMENT, FINLAND vn.fi/en Tel. +358 295 16001 1(8) Budget session of Prime Minister Orpo’s Government 3 September 2024 Government’s fiscal policy line The priorities of the Government’s economic policy are ec...

11.9.2024 | FINNISH GOVERNMENT PO BOX 23, 00023 GOVERNMENT, FINLAND vn.fi/en Tel. +358 295 16001 1(10) Central government R&D funding in 2025 The Government is committed to the national target of increasing Finland’s research and developme (R&D) expenditure t...

23.2.2024 | The second anniversary of the beginning of the Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine in its entirety will be this week on 24 February 2024. However, one anniversary was already observed last week on 15 February, when it had been exactly two years since the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism following Ukraine’s request for assistance.

20.3.2020 | Under the Emergency Powers Act, a Government Decree has been issued that allows to deviate from the time limits for non-urgent healthcare, except for the assessment of the need for care. The assessment of the need for care must still be carried out within three weeks.

1.2.2024 | On Thursday 1 February 2024, the Government appointed Reima Palonen as Director of the Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board (HILA) for a fixed-term public-service relationship. The Board operates in conjunction with the Department for Insurance and Social Security at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Palonen will take up his duties as Director on 1 March 2024. The appointment will last until 31 December 2026.

3.4.2020 | In the coronavirus situation, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health urges the municipalities and social welfare units to pay special attention to appropriate action and prevention of the coronavirus in housing service units providing 24-hour care.