The future of Rajamäki Health Center now rests with Finland's Administrative Court. The Rajamäki Village Association filed a 14-point appeal in late October demanding the center's preservation.
Wellbeing district director Raija Kontio states they are awaiting questions from the court. "We must provide our answers first to the Administrative Court," Kontio said in a statement.
Kontio insists the closure planning was thorough. She emphasizes these are political decisions originally made by the regional council in May.
Local residents were consulted during multiple stages of the process. An impact assessment was also completed according to officials.
The case will first go to Keusote officials for processing. Then prepared responses will move to the regional board for review.
Kontio clarifies that the main Kirkonkylä health station would remain operational. It would become the municipality's largest health center. The Klaukkala unit would also continue services.
Officials calculated overall savings from closing Rajamäki. Rent costs alone don't determine the decision according to Kontio.
She highlights that Keusote has Finland's shortest distances between units. The network is extremely compact compared to neighboring regions like Helsinki and Kanta-Häme.
This case reflects the ongoing tension between cost-cutting measures and maintaining local services in Finnish municipalities. The court's decision will set an important precedent for similar rural service disputes.
What happens next in the Rajamäki health center case?
The Administrative Court will review the appeal and may request additional information before making a final ruling on the closure.