Preparation of the social welfare and health care reform in support of implementing the care guarantee

This reform aims to improve the accessibility of health and social services by promoting the implementation of the care guarantee. This reform will: (i) implement the care guarantee and strengthen the delivery of services; (ii) strengthen prevention and early identification of social and health care needs, and (iii) strengthen the knowledge base and improve guidance to support the cost-effectiveness of social and health care digital solutions.

The preparatory phase of this reform sees the entry into force of two legal frameworks (the first on 1 July 2021, and the second in early 2023). These frameworks have provided for the establishment of 22 regional welfare areas in Finland. The health and social services reform restructured the organisation of public healthcare and social welfare in Finland. Rescue services were also restructured as part of the reform. The responsibility for organising healthcare, social welfare and rescue services was transferred from municipalities and joint municipal authorities to wellbeing services counties on 1 January 2023.

The reform will be completed by 30 June 2023.

More information on the reform can be found by following the links below

• Frontpage | Soteuudistus
• What is the health and social services reform | Soteuudistus
• Wellbeing services counties - Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (stm.fi)