Kirsi Varhila appointed as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

On Thursday, 15 August, the Finnish Government appointed Director-General Kirsi Varhila as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The term of office of Permanent Secretary Varhila will begin on 1 October 2019 and last for five years. A permanent secretary directs, develops and monitors the work of the ministry and activities falling within its branch of government.

Since 2017, Kirsi Varhila has served as Director-General of the Department for Steering of Healthcare and Social Welfare in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and as the first deputy of the permanent secretary of the ministry. From 2013 to 2017, she served as Director-General of the ministry’s Department for Social and Health Services.  Among her other posts, from 2010 to 2013 Varhila served as Director in the regional state administrative agency, and before that as Head of Department in the State Provincial Office. Varhila holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the planning, guidance and implementation of health and social policy in Finland. The ministry’s task is to promote the good health and functional capacity of the population, healthy environments for life and work and gender equality. In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has a duty to secure sufficient health and social services and a fair standard of living at the various stages of people’s lives.

Inquiries

Jiri Sironen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 (0)2951 63410
Jaana Koski, Director-General, tel. +358 (0)2951 63519