FINLAND | Emergency | Cultural information
The population of Finland in the beginning of 2008 was about 5,3 million. The age group 0-14 consisted of 16,9 %, ages 15-64 counted for 66,6 % and people over 64 amounted 16,5 %.
Finland’s infant mortality rate remains among the lowest in the world. The life expectancy of males is about 75 years and of females about 82 years. The most common cause of death for working-age men (15-64 yrs) is coronary heart disease, followed by alcohol-related deaths, accidents and suicides. Working-age women are most likely to die of breast cancer, alcohol-related deaths, suicides and accidents. Mental health disorders are the most common reason for retirement or disability pension, followed by musculoskeletal diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
Healthcare in Finland
The health care system in Finland is decentralised. It is organised at three levels:
- in Finland there are 400 local health care centers
- 21 hospital districts that provide specialised hospital care; a referral from a doctor is required except in emergencies
- 5 university hospital districts; these hospitals provide highly specialised care.
The public health care services are supplemented by private providers and non-governmental organisations (NGO).
The municipalities are responsible for organising outpatient health care (both in physical and mental illness) and rehabilitation services through the primary health care system provided at local health centres. Health centres also have hospitals providing basic nursing services. Municipalities also provide dental care, ambulance services and occupational health care services for residents.
The services are primarily financed with general tax revenues and the price patients have to pay is minimal. If you have a valid European Health Insurance Card you are entitled to the same medically necessary care in Finland as the residents. The procedure for getting the treatment is the same as those that apply to the local residents. If you seek treatment from a doctor or hospital not covered by the local system, you will have to pay all necessary costs yourself. You can get reimbursement from Kela ( www.kela.fi ).
Medicines are only sold in pharmacies. They are mostly privately owned. Pharmacies sell both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, first aid and skin care supplies. Antibiotics are always prescription medicines. The following are available without a doctor’s or dentist’s prescription:
- basic painkillers, e.g. aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- several cough medicines
- laxatives
- skincare and desinfectants.
The state level authorities and related agencies dealing with health care are:
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, www.stm.fi
- National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health
- National Public Health Institute
- Finnish Institute for Occupational Health, www.ttl.fi
- National Agency for Medicines