These three short words encapsulate Tehy’s objectives for the forthcoming Government Programme.
Security.
Hope.
Equality.
We, the members of Tehy, hope above all that future decision-makers will have the courage to make decisions that promote security, hope and equality.
Health and social services and the professionals who provide them are an integral part of Finland’s overall security and national defence. This must now be finally recognised and acknowledged – and taken into account in decision-making and budgeting.
Healthcare, social welfare and early childhood education and care professionals must be guaranteed a safe working environment. This will inevitably require new legislation.
Right now, what Finland and the Finnish people need most is hope for a better tomorrow.
To achieve this, we need fairer decision-making concerning the economy, a greater recognition of skills, as well as better legislation and upholding of the rule of law. Above all, we need a credible vision for the future of public healthcare.
Equality and non-discrimination are the cornerstones of our society, and they must guide our decision-making. Equality at work must be improved by means such as eliminating the gender pay gap, improving the status of fixed-term employees and promoting gender-responsive budgeting.
The decision-makers must not forget the most vulnerable sections of the population, whose voices are not sufficiently heard in society. The services for older people must be fixed. Mental health and substance abuse services must be improved. The quality of early childhood education and the number of early childhood education employees must be ensured.
