Who can book a doctor’s appointment?
✔ Residents of Vaasa with Finnish public healthcare coverage (Kela eligibility).
✔ Those registered with Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia public health services.
Where can you go for a doctor’s appointment?
1) H‑talo (H‑building) – Public health centre / hospital services
- The Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia runs many health services here.
- Most public health appointments (nurse and doctor visits) are by appointment only.
- You register using a registration machine or mobile device when you arrive.
2) Vaasa Health Centre (“terveysasema”)
- This is where you generally go for non‑emergency care and GP appointments.
- To book a general doctor’s time, you can call their customer service number: 06 218 9000 (health assessment and appointment booking).
When should you book?
- Non‑urgent doctor appointments should be booked ahead of time — not the same day.
- Urgent symptoms should go through the medical helpline (116117) or urgent care.
- The health centre will assess your care needs and urgency.
Why use digital booking or apps?
Apps and online services let you:
✔ Request and book appointments without long phone waits.
✔ Receive alerts, messages, or reminders.
✔ Access some services (like vaccination booking) directly from your phone.
How to book — step by step
📞 1. Phone booking
- Call the Vaasa public health centre (Wellbeing Services) at 06 218 9000.
- A nurse or assistant will ask about your health problem, assess urgency, and book a suitable time.
Tip: If you don’t understand Finnish/Swedish on the phone, you can ask for English support or bring someone to help you.
📱 2. ÖVPH app (digital services for Pohjanmaan alue)
- ÖVPH is the Pohjanmaan (Ostrobothnia) wellbeing area’s official app for digital health and social care services.
- You can download it from Google Play or Apple App Store by searching “ÖVPH”.
- Log in using strong identification (e.g., online banking credentials or mobile ID).
- Inside the app, you can:
• Start chat with health professionals
• Find digital service links
• Use chat‑guided health pathways to get advice and next steps
More features will be added over time.
The ÖVPH app is meant especially for residents of Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue (which covers Vaasa).
Tips for Success
✅ Have your Finnish social security number (if public health services require it).
✅ If you have difficulty booking online, it’s usually easier to call first.
✅ For urgent situations, use 116117 (non‑emergency medical helpline).