in content lists or on the content page.Media release 22.3.2006
The Health and Money seminar invited more than 300 health and nutrition experts to Helsinki on Wednesday to discuss whether the Finnish health-care system is facing an impossible task. Money and payers for public services are becoming scarcer while the workload of service providers increases. The seminar gave the floor to experts who shared their thoughts and suggested solutions.
Reforms secure the future
The Finnish health system performs relatively well in international comparisons. But it also faces, in common with most other OECD countries, significant current and future challenges, including: expensive technological change, a rapidly ageing population, and rising consumer expectations.
– These pressures threaten the ability of the system to continue to offer universal access to comprehensive health care in a way that remains both affordable and equitable in the future. In addition to the recent reforms to the health system which are now being implemented, further improvements are needed to secure its future, said Keynote Speaker Jeremy Hurst, Senior Economist from the OECD.
Changes require co-operation
– Key questions in developing health care are the improvement of quality, productivity and cost-effectiveness. We also need to motivate customers and make them take better care of themselves, said Hannu Hanhijärvi, Executive Director of Sitra’s Health Care Programme.
– Cost-effective development of structures within the health-care system requires co-operation between the public sector, businesses, organisations and patient associations. We organised this seminar to invite relevant parties and experts together to discuss and ponder these questions. The challenge is a formidable one, as the health-care sector is not used to measuring the impact of the money invested in it, says Hanhijärvi.
He finds the situation promising, however, as he sees signs of a genuine willingness to change within the health-care field. Information technology provides completely new ways to really find out how the patients are, that is, what treatment is given and how well it works. Building a comprehensive electronic health-record system is possible and it helps measure the impact and productivity of operations.
Disease prevention and self care through nutrition
Preventing diseases is becoming increasingly significant. Two-thirds of diseases are related to lifestyle. The leading health risks of Finns, obesity and high cholesterol and blood pressure, can be prevented through appropriate diet. In terms of the national economy, it is particularly important to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This is the responsibility of all of society as well as the businesses and private individuals, everyone’s contribution is needed.
Finland is a forerunner in health-promoting raw materials and functional foods, which diminish the risk of certain diseases.
– Functional products such as Benecol or Gefilus have global demand, says Anu Harkki, Executive Director of Sitra’s Food and Nutrition Programme She believes that Finland has every opportunity to develop into a model as regards healthy nutrition. Harkki’s programme supports the food and nutrition industry in its development of novel, health-promoting products, operative models and services, which both promote health and create international competitive businesses.
Not just for money
In addition to the financial aspects, the seminar also discussed the human side of health care. Food is not simply a question of satisfying hunger and promoting health. It has a social aspect and is a source of enjoyment. The majority of serious illnesses cannot be prevented. Those suffering from illness need effective and good treatment as well as the support of society and their loved ones. Receiving treatment and support are not only signs of effectiveness but also of sustainable values.
Organised jointly by Sitra and the financial daily newspaper, Taloussanomat, the entire seminar has been videoed and is available for viewing from Thursday 23 March on the Sitra website, see page Web seminars »
Further information
Health Care Programme
Hannu Hanhijärvi, Executive Director, +358 9 6189 9261, +358 50 537 8797, firstname.lastname@sitra.fi
Food and Nutrition Programme ERA
Anu Harkki, Executive Director, +358 9 6189 9458, +358 50 431 1651,
firstname.lastname@sitra.fi
Communications
Laura Niemi, Communications Manager, +358 9 6189 9421, +358 50 373 8602, firstname.lastname@sitra.fi