Photo: Laura Ukkonen / Str / Lehtikuva
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The Finnish government is pressing ahead with a plan to limit healthcare services for undocumented migrants, but the city of Helsinki has announced it will not implement the proposed restrictions.
The draft law, led by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, seeks to restrict access for undocumented residents to emergency care only. At present, these individuals are also eligible for essential treatment, including care for chronic illnesses.
Under the current proposal, some exceptions remain. Authorities must still provide necessary non-urgent care if denying it would be “manifestly unreasonable in view of the person’s state of health or disability” or if a refusal would endanger public health. Services related to pregnancy and all healthcare for children must also continue without restriction.
The Ministry estimates that 3,000 to 4,000 undocumented migrants are currently in Finland, with most residing in the Helsinki area. Despite the proposed change, the capital city has confirmed that its policy will not change.
“We have no intention of changing our policy,” said Juha Jolkkonen, Director of Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services in Helsinki. The city will continue to offer the same healthcare coverage as before, regardless of residence status.
The planned legislation has been weakened from earlier drafts, which aimed for broader restrictions. The current version, while limiting, still includes several conditions where care cannot be denied.
Officials say the financial impact of the measure is negligible. The Ministry estimates that restricting care would reduce public spending by just €560,000 annually. The change is therefore unlikely to affect the state budget in any significant way.
Helsinki’s position puts it at odds with the national government, which has framed the change as part of its broader policy to tighten migration-related benefits. However, local authorities argue that access to healthcare is a matter of basic human rights and public health safety.
The proposed law is expected to move through Parliament later this year.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
