Healthcare: Helsinki promises a major increase in doctors

Helsinki is promising to make two-week access to a doctor a reality at its health stations next year. At present, only one in three patients reaches a doctor within that time for non-urgent care.

The target already exists as a city objective, although adults are no longer covered by such a strict statutory treatment guarantee. Helsinki’s draft budget says the city can now improve access because it has a clearer view of where the problems lie.

“We know better where the problems are. Health stations have operated for too long with too few resources,” said Juha Jolkkonen, the city’s executive director for the sector.

Helsinki hired about 50 doctors and 70 nurses for its health stations in 2025 and 2026. Jolkkonen said vacancies have proved easier to fill than they were several years ago, with younger doctors interested in Helsinki and in general practice. He cited the spread of the family-doctor model as one possible reason, since it allows doctors to become more familiar with their patients.

The next budget proposes 20 more doctors and nurses to work alongside them. Helsinki also plans to launch its own independent-practitioner model, adding another 10 doctors and an as-yet-undetermined number of nurses.

Digital services will also be expanded through Maisa. Patients could use the system to report symptoms, receive guidance and book appointments more often directly. The city wants replies to non-urgent messages within one working day. Jolkkonen said this could free nurses’ time by reducing duplicate messages sent through different channels.

The city council will decide the budget at the end of the year. The proposal also prioritizes child health clinics, school and student healthcare, substance-abuse services and efforts to reduce homelessness. Helsinki expects a surplus of about 31 million euros next year, while preparing for tighter state funding and a projected deficit in 2029. The number of residents aged 85 and over is expected to nearly double within a decade, increasing pressure on social, health and emergency services.

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We know better where the problems are. Health stations have operated for too long with too few resources.