Helsinki improves school health services following agency assessment

The city of Helsinki has made improvements to its school and student health services, according to a decision by the Southern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency. The agency’s assessment indicates that the city’s efforts have successfully enhanced the organization of mandatory health inspections, leading to the conclusion of oversight that began in June 2022.

Previously, Helsinki had faced long-standing and significant issues in its school and student health services. The agency mandated the city to bring services up to the legal standard and required a report on the situation. The problems particularly involved the execution of health inspections by doctors in elementary and high schools, as there were insufficient examinations relative to the student population.

According to the agency, the delivery rate of health inspections for first, fifth, and eighth graders during the 2021-2022 school year was only 28.6 percent. However, this figure rose to 76 percent in the 2023-2024 academic year. Significant improvements have been achieved in staffing, which has been a crucial factor in this progress. The city will continue its efforts in the ongoing school year.

In May, Leena Turpeinen, the city’s director of health and substance abuse services, stated that purchasing private medical services has significantly aided in addressing the situation, with over half of the inspections being conducted through these means. Last year, the city acquired numerous medical examinations through direct procurement from various private providers, including spending over 600,000 euros with Lääkärikeskus Aava.

Turpeinen indicated that the goal remains to conduct inspections with Helsinki’s own school doctors, although currently only about half of the positions are filled, and the reasons for the doctor shortage remain unclear. The agency urges the city to continue monitoring the effectiveness and adequacy of these measures through self-assessment.