Yths faces scrutiny for delays in student healthcare access across Finland

The Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS) has been under supervision by the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) for two years due to issues regarding timely access to care for students. There have been consistent complaints regarding YTHS’s inability to ensure that patients receive care within the legally mandated timeframe, which is 14 days for non-urgent primary health care. As of the end of September this year, nearly one-third of patients in YTHS’s central region—covering Tampere, Seinäjoki, Hämeenlinna, and Forssa—did not meet this requirement.

Immediate access involves students being able to establish contact with YTHS on the same day. Valvira began its oversight in June 2022 after receiving multiple complaints about YTHS’s operations in 2021 and 2022, and it continues to monitor the organization due to ongoing non-compliance with legal standards.

Reetaleena Hietala, the regional manager for YTHS’s central region, acknowledged the challenges in meeting care guarantees because funding has not kept pace with the growing demand for services. Although YTHS typically responds within one day and provides care within two weeks during normal times, peak demand periods can exacerbate delays. Hietala assured that students will receive necessary care even if there are delays beyond the stipulated timeframe.

The government has proposed extending the maximum waiting time for non-urgent care for students over 23 years old from 14 days to three months, while those under 23 would still be guaranteed care within two weeks. According to Valvira’s attorney Reijo Jormanainen, this change may impact the legality of YTHS’s operations.