What is Global Clinic?

Global Clinic is a volunteer-run clinic providing health counselling and assessment of care needs for undocumented people.

The clinic in Helsinki is staffed by volunteer nurses, midwives, doctors, dentists, psychologists, lobby staff and interpreters.
Phone interpreting is also available if needed.

We support undocumented people in accessing public health care. A Global Clinic volunteer can help with access to care, for example by booking an appointment to a health centre. Sometimes there are challenges in accessing care for undocumented people. If, despite our best efforts, an undocumented person is unable to access public health care, is afraid to go to the public health services because of their undocumented status or does not have a condition that requires essential treatment, they can be treated at the clinic. The clinic has limited treatment options, and the doctor is only occasionally present. Global Clinic offers help and support free of charge, in confidence, and anonymously if the undocumented person so wishes. Volunteers are sworn to absolute confidentiality.

It is possible to contact Global Clinic by phone and email throughout Finland.

Health care of undocumented people in Finland

Every undocumented person has the right to urgent and essential health care in Finland.

Urgent care means

• immediate assessment and treatment required in cases of sudden illness, injury, aggravation of a long-term illness or disability, where the start of treatment cannot be delayed without aggravating the illness or disability
• emergency oral health care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and psychosocial support

Essential health services means at least

• services during pregnancy and childbirth
• services related to the necessary treatment of long-term illnesses and other diseases 
• health checks and vaccinations required for the protection of society in accordance with the Communicable Diseases Act

Undocumented children are entitled to the same health services as other children in Finland.
In addition, all children have the right to primary education and school health care.

An assessment of the need for care is always made by a healthcare professional.

For more information on health care for undocumented migrants, see the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

Please note! Information is subject to change.
For up-to-date information, please contact the Helsinki Clinic on +358 44 977 4547. If necessary, we will assist you in accessing health care services.

If a person is undocumented and needs treatment, help or support to maintain their health or manage their illness, they can always first contact a public health centre.