THL publishes its proposals for the Government Programme – aim is to strengthen people’s psychological resilience and trust in the future
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has published its proposals for the programme of Finland’s next government, which will begin its term next year. The proposals aim to strengthen people’s psychological resilience in times of crisis. Good physical and mental health, social wellbeing and a well-functioning society all contribute to resilience.
“People’s trust in the future is understandably being tested at the moment. It is extremely important that we nevertheless dare to believe that we can overcome crises. As adults, we must remain capable of functioning, while at the same time ensuring a safe everyday life for children and young people,” says THL Director General Mika Salminen.
THL’s key proposals in brief:
- Comprehensive security is strengthened by increasing knowledge and understanding of psychological and societal resilience.
- Young people’s confidence in the future is strengthened through the launch of the “Every Young Person” programme.
- Everyday safety is strengthened by clarifying the structures, responsibilities and knowledge base related to violence prevention and child welfare.
- The population’s capacity to make sustainable, health-promoting choices is strengthened through societal incentives.
- The costs associated with major public health diseases are significantly reduced through the implementation of the “Health from Nature” programme
- Health promotion and prevention by the wellbeing services counties of the wellbeing services counties is enhanced through incentives embedded in the funding model.
- The development of the social and health care system progresses through sustained parliamentary cooperation.
- The prevention of substance uses among youth as well as the continuity of support and care, is improved through regionally provided services.
Several concrete measures included
Each proposal for the Government Programme includes concrete measures for the new government taking office next year. The measures are presented in more detail in the accompanying slide presentation.
For example, to strengthen young people’s trust in the future, THL proposes the "Every Young Person" programme. The programme would focus, among other things, on reducing loneliness among young people, preventing the initiation of substance use and improving digital safety.
To support healthier choices, Finland should introduce health-based taxation on food products. In addition, the marketing of unhealthy food should be restricted.
“Society should encourage health-promoting choices also in grocery stores. People are living longer today, and it is important that they remain as healthy as possible as they age. This would also help prevent growth in social welfare and healthcare costs,” Salminen says.
According to THL’s proposal, the parliamentary working group examining reform of the social welfare and healthcare system should continue throughout the entire government term. In developing the funding model, it should be examined whether the share of the health and wellbeing promotion coefficient (HYTE coefficient) in funding could be increased from its current level.
“We are offering the future government concrete solutions based on research evidence and our expertise to address the key health and wellbeing challenges of this era of multiple crises,” Salminen says.
“Naturally, the current government is also welcome to take action.”
Further information:
Slide deck: THL’s proposals for the Government Programme 2027
Journalists seeking further information or interviewees regarding a specific proposal for the Government Programme may contact THL Communications: info(at)thl.fi, tel. 029 524 6161 (weekdays 9–16)
Mika Salminen
Director General
THL
[email protected]