The public healthcare system provides equal access to healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of their wealth, place of residence or other factors. Health stations, hospitals and preventive services, such as maternity and child health clinics, vaccinations and screenings, are part of the everyday healthcare services that support citizens’ health and wellbeing. Taking care of the most vulnerable population groups in particular is an essential duty of the public sector.
The functionality of the public sector is also vital during acute situations. Sudden illnesses, injuries and severe diseases require quick access to expert care. The public healthcare system provides citizens with a safe and reliable clinical pathway when help is necessary.
Pandemics, major accidents and other crises in particular highlight the role of the public healthcare system. During crises, the system’s role is to coordinate healthcare resources, guide patients and make sure that all citizens receive the care and treatment they require.
The private and public sectors – management of the overall system is key
In the development of healthcare services, it is important to carefully examine all of the impacts of changes in order to ensure all of the things mentioned above. From the perspective of the overall system, we must precisely assess how human resources, funding and the organisation of services impact the public and private sectors.
Employees are also increasingly switching to work in the private sector due to increases in the reimbursements provided by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela), reductions in the hospital network, the financial difficulties of the wellbeing services counties, and cooperation negotiations. These employees include experienced nurses who are top experts in the field in particular. This jeopardises the provision of public social and healthcare services.
It is important to keep in mind that the private sector complements the service offering, while the public sector is responsible for providing equal access to primary healthcare services, specialised healthcare services and critical clinical pathways.
Therefore, we must make sure that changes do not undermine the capability of the public sector to act as a reliable and comprehensive organiser of healthcare services for all citizens.
Top professionals – heroes who ensure care
The entire public healthcare system is based on top healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to save lives and promote wellbeing. The expertise and dedication of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are the force that allows the public healthcare system to operate 24/7 in all circumstances. Their work is key to the functionality of the entire system and citizens’ ability to trust in the care and treatment that they receive.
The public healthcare system is not only a service but also the foundation of society that supports citizens’ health and wellbeing in all circumstances. In everyday life, the system provides care and support, but during crises, it carries the entire society.