Reform of wellbeing services counties progresses, but challenges remain to be solved
The reform of Finland's wellbeing services counties has reached a significant stage. According to a recent interim evaluation by the Government, the wellbeing services counties have succeeded in reforming the networks of social, health, and rescue services, as well as the provision of the services themselves. The goal of the reform has been to unify services and improve their accessibility throughout the country.
Although the reform has progressed, the evaluation also highlights the need for corrective actions. In order to fully achieve the original goals of the reform, the wellbeing services counties must pay particular attention to the quality and cost-effectiveness of services. The change has been significant, and consolidating it will still require long-term effort.
A particular challenge is how to organize services in a financially sustainable way while the population is aging and the demand for services is growing. The wellbeing services counties must be able to address the staff shortage and ensure that help is available equally to all Finns, regardless of their place of residence.
The Government emphasizes that the further development of the reform requires close cooperation between the state and the wellbeing services counties. Over the coming years, there will be close monitoring of how the regions succeed in resolving the identified problems and improving the fluidity of services in the everyday lives of citizens.