Health care servicesThe prohibition of discrimination in the Non-Discrimination Act also applies to discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin that occurs in conjunction with health care services. Furthermore, the Act on the Status and Rights of Patients prohibits discrimination.
On the basis of discrimination prohibited by the Non-Discrimination Act, the Ombudsman for Minorities can intervene in cases in which a customer faces discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin in conjunction with public or private health care services. The Office of the Ombudsman for Minorities can be contacted if a person suspects discrimination. The Ombudsman can investigate discrimination matters but cannot change decisions that have been made regarding treatment.
Each municipality has a patient ombudsman, who can provide information on the status and rights of patients. The patient ombudsman works to promote the rights of the customer and can assist him/her in submitting a complaint about treatment received. More information is available about the patient ombudsman at: www.stm.fi/en/social_and_health_services/client_rights
The Regional State Administrative Agencies guide and monitor municipal health care services. Complaints regarding health care can be submitted to the Regional State Administrative Agency. Go to www.avi.fi/en for more information.
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