Unique village health clinic reopens in Finland under new community-led model

A small village in southern Finland has reopened its health clinic using a pioneering model not seen elsewhere in the country, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The clinic in Karjalohja, western Uusimaa, was previously shut down by the regional wellbeing services authority but has now resumed operations through a partnership between the local village association and an entrepreneurial general practitioner. The facility opened its doors on Monday, with appointment slots fully booked and phones ringing continuously.

Dr. Akrami Mamurkhon, who runs the clinic as a private practitioner, said proximity to healthcare is critical for the area’s aging population. “Many elderly residents struggle to travel half an hour to Lohja’s city center for care, so they often skip appointments entirely,” Mamurkhon explained. Public transport to the city can take up to half a day.

The village association acquired the clinic building from Lohja municipality for a symbolic fee of one euro and now leases it to Mamurkhon, who provides services under contract with the regional wellbeing authority. This “Karjalohja model” is the first of its kind in Finland, though similar community-led clinics exist in the UK, Denmark, Norway, and Estonia.

Model could expand to other rural areas

Regional officials say the approach could be replicated elsewhere if legal barriers are reduced. Current Finnish law does not formally recognize private practitioners as primary healthcare providers, which deters many doctors from adopting the model.

“With lighter regulations, more GPs might choose this path,” said Anu Mustakari-Ilovuori, acting service director for the wellbeing authority. She noted that the model ensures continuity of care in sparsely populated areas—provided an entrepreneurial physician is available to run the clinic.

The clinic will operate five days a week, including summer months, when Lohja’s seasonal population swells with cottage owners. Mamurkhon plans to adjust staffing dynamically, increasing hours during peak periods to avoid backlogs.

Local residents, including nearby Sammatti villager Marju Poutiainen, celebrated the reopening with flowers for the staff. “This brings vitality and keeps services close to home,” said Mikko Piirtola, a regional council member involved in the project. “Why should small villages lose their healthcare?”