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Pandemic preparedness and response regulations in Finland: Experiences and implications for post-COVID-19 reforms

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  • Karreinen, Soila
  • Rautiainen, Pauli
  • Keskimäki, Ilmo
  • Satokangas, Markku
  • Viita-aho, Marjaana
  • Tynkkynen, Liina-Kaisa

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has plagued health systems in an unprecedented way and challenged the traditional ways to respond to epidemics. It has also revealed several vulnerabilities in countries’ health systems and preparedness. In this paper we take the Finnish health system as an example to analyse how pre-COVID-19 preparedness plans, regulations, and health system governance were challenged by the pandemic and what lessons can be learned for the future. Our analysis draws on policy documents, grey literature, published research, and the COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. The analysis shows how major public health crises often reveal weaknesses in health systems, also in countries which have been ranked highly in terms of crisis preparedness. In Finland, there were apparent regulative and structural problems which challenged the health system response, but in terms of epidemic control, the results appear to be relatively good. The pandemic may have long-term effects on the health system functioning and governance. In January 2023, an extensive health and social services reform has taken place in Finland. The new health system structure needs to be adjusted to take on board the legacy of the pandemic and a new regulatory frame for health security should be considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Karreinen, Soila & Rautiainen, Pauli & Keskimäki, Ilmo & Satokangas, Markku & Viita-aho, Marjaana & Tynkkynen, Liina-Kaisa, 2023. "Pandemic preparedness and response regulations in Finland: Experiences and implications for post-COVID-19 reforms," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:132:y:2023:i:c:s0168851023000878
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104802
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rajan, Selina & McKee, Martin & Hernández-Quevedo, Cristina & Karanikolos, Marina & Richardson, Erica & Webb, Erin & Cylus, Jonathan, 2022. "What have European countries done to prevent the spread of COVID-19? Lessons from the COVID-19 Health system response monitor," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(5), pages 355-361.
    2. Waitzberg, Ruth & Gerkens, Sophie & Dimova, Antoniya & Bryndová, Lucie & Vrangbæk, Karsten & Jervelund, Signe Smith & Birk, Hans Okkels & Rajan, Selina & Habicht, Triin & Tynkkynen, Liina-Kaisa & Kesk, 2022. "Balancing financial incentives during COVID-19: A comparison of provider payment adjustments across 20 countries," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(5), pages 398-407.
    3. Greer, Scott L. & Rozenblum, Sarah & Falkenbach, Michelle & Löblová, Olga & Jarman, Holly & Williams, Noah & Wismar, Matthias, 2022. "Centralizing and decentralizing governance in the COVID-19 pandemic: The politics of credit and blame," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(5), pages 408-417.
    4. Kihlström, Laura & Siemes, Lea & Huhtakangas, Moona & Keskimäki, Ilmo & Tynkkynen, Liina-Kaisa, 2023. "Power and politics in a pandemic: Insights from Finnish health system leaders during COVID-19," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 321(C).
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