National Strategic Objectives for the Tasks of Wellbeing Services Counties

The Finnish Government confirms, at least every four years, the national strategic objectives for the performance of social and healthcare services and rescue services by the wellbeing services counties. These national objectives are a key part of the strategic guidance of rescue services.

Through these strategic objectives, it is possible to highlight goals related to rescue service operations and the need for reform and development of services. The objectives are intended to guide the development work of the wellbeing services counties and, for example, the preparation of rescue service level-of-service decisions. They also define the national guidance of the wellbeing services counties and steer the negotiations conducted with them.

National Strategic Objectives for Wellbeing Services Counties 2025–2029

objectives are divided into two categories:

  • Objectives related to operations
  • Objectives related to operational prerequisites

Objectives Related to Operations:

  • The wellbeing services county must promote and ensure the wellbeing, health, and safety of its population in all situations.
  • The county must ensure the capacity of social and healthcare services and rescue services to provide services equitably, with high quality, and cost-effectively, while responding to risks and threats in the operating environment.
  • Services under the county’s responsibility must be economically sustainable, high-quality, and cost-effective.
  • Investments must improve cost-effectiveness and promote regional cooperation.
  • Effectiveness-based approaches must be emphasized in operations, guidance, and management.
  • The reform of operations and finances must continue ambitiously.

Objectives Related to Operational Prerequisites:

  • The personnel must be competent and sufficient for the counties’ tasks. The wellbeing of the personnel must be ensured.
  • The attractiveness and retention of sectors must be maintained.
  • Local, regional, and national leadership, planning, implementation, and development must be data-driven.
  • Digitalization must be promoted across all sectors of the wellbeing services counties.
  • The county must cooperate to fulfill statutory obligations and achieve objectives.
  • Tasks must be carried out locally, regionally, and nationally through good interpersonal cooperation.