Virolahti health clinic faces closure due to Russian interference with remote services

The Virolahti municipal health clinic in southeastern Finland may close this year or by early 2027, according to plans by the Kymenlaakso wellbeing services county, Yle reports. Residents—including those from neighboring Miehikkälä—would then face a 30-kilometer trip to Hamina for basic healthcare, a burden particularly for the elderly and those without private transport.

Local opposition has grown as the wellbeing services county has not provided clear cost-saving figures. “The savings appear minimal, but the impact on healthcare access would be severe,” said Virolahti municipal manager Topi Heinänen. He noted that frequent medical visits via Kela-subsidized taxis could cost elderly residents over €100 per week.

Remote consultations, proposed as an alternative, may fail due to persistent Russian cyber interference disrupting local networks. “If phone or internet connections drop, the only option left is traveling to Hamina,” Heinänen said. Many elderly residents also lack digital literacy for online services.

Miehikkälä residents, who have relied on Virolahti’s clinic since their own closed over a year ago, warned of longer travel times and logistical challenges. “It’s outright foolish to shut it down,” said Miehikkälä resident Eila Taari, citing delays in Hamina’s lab and doctor appointments.

Social Affairs and Health Minister Wille Rydman (Finns Party) will visit Virolahti next week to address concerns in a local event organized by the party’s regional branch.