Survey Reveals Alarming Decline in Finnish-Swedish Student Healthcare Following 2023 Reforms

A recent survey conducted by the Finnish-Swedish Teachers' Union (FSL) highlights a troubling decline in student healthcare services in the Finnish-Swedish education system following the social and healthcare reform in 2023. This reform transitioned the responsibility for student healthcare to welfare areas, leading to significant reductions in resources available for mental health support.

According to the survey, which involved over 500 teachers and was conducted in May 2025, a substantial majority of educators believe that student healthcare has worsened. Notably, over half of the respondents reported a decline in resources since the reform, which has particularly affected access to mental health care. Concerns were raised regarding long waiting times for counseling services and school psychologists, which many educators described as unacceptable. FSL’s chairman, Inger Damlin, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating that students should not have to wait weeks for needed support.

The impact of declining healthcare has been significant; over 30% of teachers reported encountering students in need of mental health support on a daily basis. This increase in mental health issues correlates with heightened school absenteeism and poses challenges for academic achievement. Nearly 60% of respondents pointed out that access to quality healthcare services is essential for improving student results. Furthermore, many believe that effective healthcare could alleviate some of the workload and stress faced by educators, with about 70% suggesting it could make teaching more attractive as a profession.