Finland: health system review
Health Systems in Transition, vol. 21 (2)
Article
in English
| WHO IRIS
| ID: who-327538
Responsible library:
CH1.1
ABSTRACT
This analysis of the Finnish health system reviews developments in its organization and governance, financing, provision of services, health reforms and health system performance. Finland is a welfare state with a high standard of social and living conditions and a low poverty rate. Its health system has a highly decentralized administration, multiple funding sources, and three provision channels for statutory services in first-contact care the municipal system, the national health insurance system, and occupational health care. The core health system is organized by the municipalities (i.e. local authorities) which are responsible for financing primary and specialized care. Health financing arrangements are fragmented, with municipalities, the health insurance system, employers and households all contributing substantial shares. The health system performs relatively well, as health services are fairly effective, but accessibility may be an issue due to long waiting times and relatively high levels of cost sharing. For over a decade, there has been broad agreement on the need to reform the Finnish health system, but reaching a feasiblepolicy consensus has been challenging.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Health context:
Sustainable Health Agenda for the Americas
/
SDG3 - Health and Well-Being
Health problem:
Goal 4: Health financing
/
Target 3.8 Achieve universal access to health
Database:
WHO IRIS
Main subject:
Health Care Reform
/
Evaluation Study
/
Delivery of Health Care
/
Healthcare Financing
/
Finland
/
Health Systems Plans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Health syst. transit. (Online)
Year:
2019
Document type:
Article