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21.5.2026 | The Act on Healthcare Professionals has been amended to make it possible to receive international assistance for healthcare in different kinds of crises. The amendments will facilitate and speed up the operations of humanitarian assistance providers in Finland when assistance is needed fast. The amendments will enter into force on 25 May 2026.

International and EU affairs On this page Ministry of Social Affairs and Health’s objectives for international and EU cooperation International Affairs Unit EU affairs at the Ministry Global cooperation Nordic and regional cooperation Human rights...

International and EU affairs On this page Ministry of Social Affairs and Health’s objectives for international and EU cooperation International Affairs Unit EU affairs at the Ministry Global cooperation Nordic and regional cooperation Human rights...

Frequently asked questions about the operating models and division of duties of healthcare and social welfare personnel This page contains frequently asked questions about the operating models and division of duties of healthcare and social welfar...

Social security and services for people applying for and receiving international protection in Finland People applying for international protection leave their home countries for various reasons, for example, to escape war, persecution or insecuri...

International examples to help Finland create governance model for wellbeing economy 4.12.2025 8.46 The economy of wellbeing offers tools for policy makers to secure the preconditions for a good life both for the current population and future gene...

Department for Insurance and Social Security The Department for Insurance and Social Security directs and steers insurance policy and is responsible for drafting social insurance and other insurance legislation. The Department handles issues that ...

RDI Growth Programme for Health and Wellbeing The aim of the RDI Growth Programme for Health and Wellbeing is to support the wellbeing services counties in renewing themselves in order for them to better promote people’s health and wellbeing and i...

Fighting infectious disease: Responsibilities of the authorities The task of healthcare and social welfare services is to safeguard that the population has the healthcare and social welfare services essential to their health and functional capacit...

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health directs, monitors and coordinates preparedness for incidents and emergencies in healthcare and social welfare.

Department for Work and Gender Equality The Department for Work and Gender Equality (TTO) guides and directs the supervision and administration of occupational safety and health, drafts legislation and policies on occupational safety and health, a...

Management and organisation Two ministers and one permanent secretary run the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. A State Secretary may assist the ministers in their tasks. There are six departments in the ministry, in charge of the preparation...

Department for Safety, Security and Health The Department for Safety, Security and Health handles issues pertaining to: organising environmental healthcare and health protection alcohol, tobacco and drug policy and the prevention of harm caused by...

Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare The Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare prepares and develops issues pertaining to the position and rights of the customer and the patient, healt...

Guidance of information management in healthcare and social welfare The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the general planning, guidance and monitoring of information management within its administrative branch and for the f...

“Opportunities to build something new this hands-on in central government are rare” » At the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Laura Kuusio is developing new ways to strengthen the participation of children and young people. “I’m always looki...

Prevention of human trafficking The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health aims to prevent social problems caused by trafficking in human beings and to identify and help victims. The Ministry’s responsibilities include ensuring that victims of traf...

Gender mainstreaming Gender mainstreaming is a strategy for promoting gender equality, and it means that the gender perspective is taken into account in all decision-making. The Gender Equality Unit of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health coo...

EHDS Regulation The EHDS Regulation is an EU regulation that improves citizens’ control over their personal health data and provides healthcare professionals with access to patient data, regardless of where patients live or receive treatment. The ...

Occupational safety and health (OSH) The MSAH prepares and develops legislation and policies on OSH and deals with international cooperation in this field. The ministry also guides the occupational safety and health work of the The Finnish Supervi...

fi sv en Finnish Cancer Center FICAN The Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN) was established in 2019 to promote effective and equitable cancer care in Finland. FICAN’s mission is to implement the tasks defined in the Government Decree on the Division of...

Amended legislation on health checks for children and young adults Categories: Publication date: 22.12.2025 The timing and content of health checks at child health clinics and schools, and in student healthcare and oral healthcare will be regulate...

Strategic and Financial Management Unit The Strategic and Financial Management Unit assists and supports the Permanent Secretary and is in charge of developing the Ministry’s strategic leadership. The Unit is responsible for advancing and developi...

“I’m always looking for ways to improve how we work together by making better use of digitalisation and data” Teija Inkilä’s work combines digital services, evidence-based decision-making, artificial intelligence and collaboration between authorit...

Kansallinen ikäohjelma vuoteen 2030 Tavoitteena ikäkyvykäs Suomi Periaatepäätös Valtioneuvosto, Helsinki 2022 Valtioneuvosto This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohi...

20.11.2025 | The Government proposes amendments to the Act on Healthcare Professionals that will make it possible to receive international assistance for healthcare in different kinds of crisis situations. The aim is to facilitate and speed up the operations of humanitarian assistance providers in Finland when assistance is needed fast.

Global cooperation The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health prepares international policies within its branch of government, participates in preparing agreements and formulating policy approaches and sees to their implementation and monitoring in...

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health coordinates, develops and monitors gender mainstreaming as part of the Government’s gender equality policy. Monitoring focuses particularly on legislative drafting, economic and operational planning, budgeting, and competence development. In addition, the operational gender equality planning of public authorities is monitored.

Value chain for pharmacotherapy Pharmaceuticals-related development, research and innovations The facilitation of research and development of pharmaceuticals is a requirement for new pharmaceutical innovations. It is characteristic of the pharmace...

Contact information Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare / APO Clients and Personnel Unit / ASI Janette Grönfors, Senior Specialist Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare / APO, Clients...

Radiation protection In Finland, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has supreme authority in supervising compliance with the Radiation Act, and it directs the protection of the public, workers and patients from harmful radiation. The Minist...

Welfare and health promotion The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health supports the welfare of people in Finland via social and health services and by ensuring income security. Legislation » Many areas of health legislation enhance welfare...

Client and patient safety The safety of care and services is part of the overall quality of healthcare and social welfare. Safe care and services are evidence-based and effective. They are provided in the right way and at the right time. Client an...

Advisory Board on Biotechnology The Advisory Board on Biotechnology is an expert body providing advice on matters related to biotechnology and gene technology. It promotes cooperation between public authorities and researchers and operators in the...

Ministerial Communications Team: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health The Ministerial Communications Team at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for planning, implementing and developing communications for the Ministry and it...

Mediation in criminal and civil cases Mediation in criminal and civil cases is a free-of-charge public service where volunteer mediators mediate between the parties to a crime or a dispute and assist them in the negotiations. The purpose of mediat...

Further information fi sv en Drug Development Centre to promote competitive development of drugs Finland has competitive basic medical research of high quality that has the potential of developing new medicinal products. However, so far commercial...

Open positions and the Ministry as a workplace On this page Open positions Trainee positions at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health The Ministry as a workplace Service relationship, working hours, pay, and general collective agreements Well-...

Occupational safety and wellbeing at work Shortly The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for legislation, policies and international cooperation related to occupational safety and wellbeing at work in Finland. The aim is to ensur...

The Ministry The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (MSAH) is one of the 12 ministries in the Government. The Ministry's tasks promote the good health and functional capacity of people promote healthy living and working environments secure suff...

Pharmacotherapy and pharmaceutical service The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the development of pharmaceutical services and for preparation of legislation on pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical services are an integral part ...

The objective of the project, based on the Government’s policy guidelines, is to enhance the safety of children’s and young people’s digital growth environments and to protect them from the harms of social media. [This is a machine translation, we do not guarantee the quality and accuracy of the translations produced.]

Secondary use of health and social data A separate law has be laid down on the secondary use of health and social data (Act on the Secondary Use of Health and Social Data). The purpose of the Act is to facilitate the effective and safe processing ...

Amending the Act on the Secondary Use of Health and Social Data The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is preparing a government proposal for amending the Act on the Secondary Use of Health and Social Data (555/2019). The Act will be amended in...

Gambling-related harm The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health coordinates the prevention and reduction of gambling-related harm at the government level. These measures are guided by the Gambling Policy Programme that extends to 2030. As provided...

15.6.2026 | EU health ministers will convene for a meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health) on 16 June to discuss, among others, the proposed European Biotech Act I directive and regulation and the preparedness and readiness of the European pharmaceutical industry. Minister of Social Affairs and Health Wille Rydman will represent Finland at the meeting.

Healthcare and social welfare for undocumented persons When it comes to the organisation of healthcare and social welfare, it should be noted that there are people residing both legally and illegally in Finland who are usually referred to as undoc...

Contact information The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Telephone: +358 295 16001 (Government switchboard) Postal address: PO Box 33, FI-00023 Government, Finland Visiting address: Meritullinkatu 8, 00170 Helsinki Telefax: +358 2951 63415 (r...

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Minister of Social Security Karoliina Partanen The National Coalition Party Minister of Social Security Karoliina Partanen is responsible for matters covered by the Department for Insurance and Social Security...

Roma policy in Finland The overall objective of Finland’s National Roma Policy is to promote the inclusion, participation and equality of the Roma in different spheres of life. The policy programme is a comprehensive action plan, prepared in coope...

9.1.2026 | Radical Health Festival, Europe’s leading health sector event, will take place in Helsinki from 19 to 21 January 2026, offering an international setting for leading health sector experts to discuss how to leverage artificial intelligence and data in healthcare. The event will gather professionals, decision-makers and businesses in the field to accelerate renewal in health and social services.

9.6.2026 | A national operating model for clinical trials (FinTrials) will be established in Finland to improve the coordination of clinical trials of medicines and clinical investigations of medical devices. The aim is to increase the number of such studies in Finland, accelerate their launch and improve patients’ opportunities to access new treatments.

Legislation concerning children, young people and families Family leaves Family leaves are regulated in the Employment Contracts Act. The Act contains provisions on the rights of parents to take leave for family reasons. Employment Contracts Act 5...

13.5.2026 | The rescEU Medical Stockpile hosted in Finland reached its full material readiness at the end of April. All products specified in the original plan have now been purchased and stored and they are ready to go. The project was completed on schedule, thanks to seamless cooperation among the different parties.

8.12.2025 | This year, the International Gender Equality Prize was awarded to Masha Foundation , a Ukrainian public organisation which carries out significant work to help Ukrainian women overcome the psychological consequences of war and other violence.

Good Work Programme – Creating more appeal and staying power in the healthcare and social welfare sector Mounting service needs driven by an ageing Finnish population, higher rates of chronic diseases, evolving expectations and new technologies – ...

19.5.2026 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is requesting comments on the draft government proposal on the adoption and implementation of the social security agreement between Finland and Uruguay. The agreement would make it easier for workers to move between the two countries and would facilitate the operations of businesses. The deadline for submitting comments is 30 June 2026.

17.4.2026 | A total of 5,000 patients have been evacuated from Ukraine to EU Member States under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The 5,000th patient was evacuated to Finland. Finnish Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen and EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib met on 16 April to discuss issues such as the evacuation of patients.

31.3.2021 | Selvitystyö Kansallisen lääkekehityskeskuksen roolin kartoittamiseksi, liiketoimintasuunnitelman perustaksi ja tiekartta sekä toimenpiteet yrityksen perustamiseksi Kari Lehmussaari Kuvailulehti Tekijät Kari Lehmussaari 28.9.2020 Selvitystyön nimi ...

Social assistance Shortly Social assistance is a last-resort form of social security that secures the essential livelihood for an individual or a family when they cannot support themselves with other income or assets. It is a means-tested benefit,...

15.5.2025 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has launched extensive network collaboration to bring together Finnish expertise in digital health with a view to promoting exports in this sector.

19.5.2026 | Commitment to measures to eradicate sexual harassment at work We, the undersigned key actors in Finnish working life, recognise that sexual harassment is a major problem in working life and it must be addressed actively and through concrete action...

Hallituksen esitys eduskunnalle laiksi lapsiin liittyvien rikosepäilyjen selvittämisessä avustavista terveydenhuollon yksiköistä ESITYKSEN PÄÄASIALLINEN SISÄLTÖ Esityksessä ehdotetaan säädettäväksi laki lapsiin liittyvien rikosepäilyjen selvittämi...

19.6.2026 | 1 CONCEPT NOTE OSTRAVA CASE STUDY The Social Rental Agency model to overcome Roma housing exclusion May 2026 The European Network on Roma Equality under EU Funds (EURoma Network) has been working since 2007 to foster an increased and effective use...

13.11.2025 | A national collaboration model is being proposed for Finland to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders in clinical research and make it easier for patients to access new treatments. The FinTrials collaboration model also aims to strengthen Finland’s position as an attractive country for clinical trials and increase investments in the sector. The proposal was made by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra at the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

13.2.2026 | Together Against Cancer – Human-Centred Cancer Prevention and Care National Cancer Strategy 2026–2035 Finland National Cancer Strategy 2026–2035 Contents Summary 3 Strategic objectives 5 Current situation and operating environment 6 Cancer in Finl...

5.12.2025 | 1 Classified as ECDC NORMAL Appendix 10 - Country follow-up to ECDC PHEPA recommendations Following the PHEPA mission conducted in your country, the final ECDC assessment report includes a series of recommendations aiming at supporting your countr...

9.4.2026 | 1 ADI-ROM(2025)26 Restricted Strasbourg, 9 March 2026 COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON ROMA AND TRAVELLER1 ISSUES (ADI-ROM) 13th meeting Strasbourg, 1-2 April 2026 Explanatory Memorandum Recommendation to the member States on desegregation and inclusion po...

5.12.2025 | Country report: ECDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessment for Finland, 2024 Under Article 8 of the Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 ASSESSMENT ECDC ASSESSMENT Country report: ECDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessment for Finland, 20...

3.12.2024 | Resilience and the report on the future of European competitiveness are on the agenda at the Health Council meeting in Brussels on 3 December 2024. On Finland's initiative, the meeting will also discuss the health sector’s role as part of the preparedness union strategy. Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

3.2.2021 | Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriön toimintasuunnitelma 2020–2023 Toimenpiteet vuodelle 2021 SOSIAALI- JA TERVEYSMINISTERIÖN RAPORTTEJA JA MUISTIOITA 2021:5 Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö Helsinki 2021 Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriön raportteja ja mui...

19.12.2024 | The Government proposes amendments to the Act on Organising Healthcare and Social Welfare Services concerning preparedness, readiness and incident management in both normal and emergency conditions. The proposal is based on the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government.

16.4.2024 | The Government reached an agreement on the future of the network of hospitals and urgent and emergency health services in its spending limits session. It decided that changes would be made to night-time emergency care services in primary healthcare and to specialised healthcare in certain hospitals. The aim is to balance public expenditure and respond to the shortage of healthcare personnel.

12.4.2024 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Heath published a revised National Pandemic Preparedness Plan for Healthcare and Social Welfare, which aims to promote health security and combat the effects of pandemics on people and society.

19.2.2021 | Hallituksen esitys eduskunnalle laiksi tartuntatautilain 16 ja 22 §:n muuttamisesta ESITYKSEN PÄÄASIALLINEN SISÄLTÖ Esityksessä ehdotetaan muutettavaksi tartuntatautilakia. Esityksessä ehdotetaan täsmennettä- väksi aluehallintovirastolla olevaa ma...

14.11.2022 | A study on international adoption brings together topical discussion and studies carried out in four European countries concerning international adoption. 

1.11.2023 | VA LT I O N E U V O S T O N J U L K A I S U J A 2 0 2 3 : 2 6 vn.fi Sosiaaliturvakomitean välimietintö Sosiaaliturvakomitea Sosiaaliturvakomitean välimietintö Sosiaaliturvakomitea Valtioneuvosto Helsinki 2023 Valtioneuvoston julkaisuja 2023:26 Val...

10.11.2023 | MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND HEALTH AND THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE OF REPUBLIC OF FINLAND AND THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE OF REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA CONCERNING PROMOTING ELECTRONIC ...

11.12.2023 | A project at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is working on a proposal for a well-being economy steering model for Finland that would strengthen wellbeing-oriented policymaking in Finland. A workshop, organized by THL and the OECD WISE Centre on 21–22 November 2023, brought together officials from pioneering countries to discuss the functionality and application of governance practices for a well-being framework.

6.9.2022 | The EU health ministers are holding an informal meeting in Prague on 7 September 2022. They will discuss the health impacts of the war in Ukraine, vaccinations, the implementation of the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan and other issues related to cancer.

18.4.2023 | VA LT I O N E U V O S T O N J U L K A I S U J A 2 0 2 3 : 2 6 vn.fi Sosiaaliturvakomitean välimietintö Sosiaaliturvakomitea Sosiaaliturvakomitean välimietintö Sosiaaliturvakomitea Valtioneuvosto Helsinki 2023 Valtioneuvoston julkaisuja 2023:26 Val...

8.3.2023 | Genome strategy Content Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 3 STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Finland makes use of its unique prerequisites in re...

12.3.2018 | SELVITYS RUOTSIN LÄÄKETYÖRYHMIEN TOIMINNASTA JA NIIDEN TOIMINNAN VAIKUTTAVUUDESTA SEKÄ EHDOTUKSET SUOMEN SOTE-JÄRJESTÄMISVASTUUSSA OLEVIEN ALUEIDEN LÄÄKETYÖRYHMIEN TOTEUTTAMISESTA Proviisori Kirsi Kvarnström 30.4.2016 1 Sisällysluettelo MÄÄRITELMÄ...

17.11.2016 | The Government has authorised the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health to establish STUK International Ltd which is a limited liability company wholly owned by the state. The capital of one million euros and other establishment costs of the company will be financed from the appropriations reserved for the purpose in this year’s Budget. The company’s memorandum and articles of association were approved by the Government on 17 November.

25.11.2021 | The social security agreement between Finland and Japan will enter into force on 1 February 2022. Ville Skinnari, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, and Takashi Murata, Japan’s Ambassador to Finland, exchanged notes on 25 November to bring the bilateral agreement into force. When the agreement enters into force, workers posted to a Contracting State will avoid double pension and unemployment insurance contributions.

Regeringens proposition till riksdagen med förslag till lag om ändring av hälso- och sjukvårdslagen och till lagar som har samband med den PROPOSITIONENS HUVUDSAKLIGA INNEHÅLL I denna proposition föreslås det att hälso- och sjukvårdslagen ändras t...

8.3.2024 | The 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will take place in New York between 11 and 22 March 2024. Finland will be represented at the session by a broad-based delegation headed by Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, who is responsible for gender equality issues.

1.12.2020 | Research and innovation activities in the health sector will be developed in a target-oriented way in 2020–2023. People’s health and wellbeing will be improved through research and technological development. Steps will also be taken to advance Finland’s international position as a forerunner in health sector research and innovation, investment and new business.

15.2.2023 | The programme for ensuring the sufficiency and availability of healthcare and social welfare personnel, which was launched by Minister Krista Kiuru, will end as the parliamentary term draws to a close. The aim of the programme has been to find solutions to meet the labour needs of the healthcare and social welfare sector now and in the coming years.

9.11.2023 | Mika Salminen, Doctor of Philosophy, has been appointed Director General of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) for the period of 1 January 2024–31 December 2028. A total of 17 candidates applied for the post of Director General by the closing date. The Director General is appointed by the Government for a period of five years at a time.

14.5.2020 | It is considered justified to develop a mobile application for supporting the tracing of transmission chains of the coronavirus. This becomes evident from the comments that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health invited on its proposal for a roadmap for the introduction of a mobile application.

12.10.2023 | On 26 April 2023, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a major reform of the pharmaceutical legislation, with the aim of ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products used in the EU. As a rule, the Finnish Government supports the Commission’s proposal and, on 12 October, it submitted a Union communication to Parliament concerning its position on the proposal.

20.2.2020 | Committee work brings facts and contradictions into the open. Specifying different perspectives and values serves as a model even for other societal discussions.

10.11.2022 | On Thursday 10 November, the Government appointed Raimo Antila as Director General of the Department for Work and Gender Equality at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. His new term will begin on 1 December 2022. The appointment is for a fixed period until 30 November 2027.

9.10.2023 | The Finnish Government proposes about EUR 16.2 billion in appropriations for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and its administrative branch for 2024. This is slightly over EUR 134 million more than in the 2023 Budget. The increase is due to needs assessment changes in pensions, for example, and to the implementation of reforms set out in the Government Programme.

Nationellt åldersprogram fram till 2030 För ett ålderskunnigt Finland Principbeslut Statsrådet, Helsingfors 2022 Statsrådet This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohib...

9.5.2022 | 1 Research plan / Tutkimussuunnitelma Evidencing the Effectiveness of Health Social Work Assessment and Interventions Terveyssosiaalityön arvioinnin ja intervention vaikuttavuus näkyväksi (Sostyö-TerVa) 1. Aim and objectives 1.1 Significance of re...

31.1.2022 | At its meeting on 7 January, the Ministerial Working Group on COVID-19 issued a recommendation that people meet with no more than five persons outside their immediate family at a time. In a written procedure on Monday 31 January, the Ministerial Working Group decided to lift this recommendation as of 1 February.

11.10.2022 | Report of the working group on the use of iodine in the event of a radiation hazard situation STM 2022 Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................

22.11.2021 | The transformation of work and new ways to work offer both challenges and opportunities for the Nordic labour market and workers’ wellbeing. The Nordic employment ministers will discuss these topics at a meeting organised by Finland as part of its Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers on 22–23 November 2021.