Finland health services report reveals regional disparities

A report from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) highlights growing regional inequalities in the accessibility and quality of social and healthcare services across Finland. While the overall financial deficit of wellbeing services decreased to 1.7 billion euros, the gap between regions is widening due to differences in population trends, service needs, and economic capacity.

THL warns that these disparities threaten the principle of equal access to care. Challenges are particularly acute in areas experiencing population decline, where access to primary care physicians and continuity of care are lacking. Deficiencies remain in mental health services for children and adolescents, disability services, and elderly care.

In contrast to the national trend of divergence, the Pirkanmaa wellbeing area has shown positive developments. According to THL, Pirkanmaa has successfully reduced queues for specialized medical care and improved the transition of elderly patients from hospitals to follow-up care. The region also reported strengthened local service production and efficient per-capita costs.