06/06/13

Finnish maternity package attracts international attention

The BBC published a long article on the Finnish maternity package. The article has generated interest from other countries as well, and some have asked about the possibility to buy a maternity package. However, since the maternity package is offered solely under the Finnish social security system, Kela is unable to sell it to foreign customers.

The BBC published an article on 4 June which discussed the contents and history of the Finnish maternity package in extensive detail. The article also highlighted the possibility to use the cardboard box in which the maternity package items are delivered as a first bed.

The article topped the list of the most clicked news stories on the BBC website and drew 490 comments in one day. Many commentators marvelled at this innovative Finnish product and the kind of practical support that Finnish families with small children get from the government. The BBC News at Six also did a story on the maternity package.

The international exposure generated by the BBC stories has raised interest in other foreign media as well. Kela has received messages from both domestic and international contacts asking whether the maternity package is available for purchase. However, as the maternity package is not a commercial product, Kela cannot sell it. It is available solely as a benefit offered under the Finnish social security system. The items it contains are sourced through a competitive bidding process complying with EU law.

Additional information

www.kela.fi/maternitypackage
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22781684