Finnish government reduces Helsinki’s healthcare funding cuts but increases them for Western Uusimaa

The Finnish government’s revised proposal for healthcare and social services funding will cut less than expected from Helsinki’s budget but significantly increase reductions for the Western Uusimaa wellbeing services county, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

Parliament will receive the draft legislation on Thursday, outlining adjustments to the funding model for Finland’s wellbeing services counties. Under the original plan, Helsinki’s funding was set to decrease by just over €100 million by 2029 compared to current levels. According to Helsingin Sanomat, the cut has now been reduced by roughly €10 million, bringing the total reduction to slightly over €90 million.

Meanwhile, Western Uusimaa’s required savings will rise by tens of millions of euros. The region’s initial 2029 savings target was €54 million, but the revised proposal increases this figure substantially following a consultation round.

The funding adjustments follow a principle where financially stronger regions face larger cuts. Municipal leaders in Western Uusimaa have criticised the proposal, arguing that their current budget balance stems from rapid cost-cutting and service reductions in 2023–2024 rather than ample funding.

Funding allocations are determined by factors such as population size, demographic structure, diagnosed health conditions, and transitional compensation. Uusimaa’s wellbeing services counties and the Helsinki University Hospital District (HUS) have warned that the cuts will further strain their budgets, as the region already receives among the lowest per-capita funding nationwide despite its fast-growing population and service demands.