COVID-19 pandemic in Finland – Preliminary analysis on health system response and economic consequences

Highlights

• During pandemic the overall resilience of the Finnish society has been comparatively high.

• Decentralized public health functions have made it possible to engage in active public health actions at local level

• Pandemic has possibly accelerated the development of digital health services and telemedicine in various part of the Finnish healthcare system

• COVID-19 will have far-reaching systemic effects on the entire society.

Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the impact of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 on health policy, social- and health system, and economic and financing system to prevent, treat, contain and monitor the virus in Finland.

Methods

This study provides early outcomes of health policy measures, social- and health system capacity as well as economic challenges in COVID-19 pandemic in Finland. This paper is based available documents and reports of different ministries and social, health and economic authorities collected online. This was complemented by other relevant pandemic data from Finland.

Results

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Finnish society has been unpredictable although it has not been as extensive and massive than in many other countries. As the situation evolved the Government took strict measures to stop the spread of the virus (e.g. Emergency Powers Act). Available information shows that the economic consequences will be drastic also in Finland, albeit perhaps less dramatic than in large industrial economies.

Conclusions

Finland has transferred gradually to a “hybrid strategy”, referring to a move from extensive restrictive measures to enhanced management of the epidemic. However, health system must be prepared for prospective setback. It is possible, that COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of digital health services and telemedicine in Finnish healthcare system.