The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira; Finnish: Sosiaali- ja terveysalan lupa- ja valvontavirasto, Swedish: Tillstånds- och tillsynsverket för social- och hälsovården) is a centralised body operating under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in Finland. Its statutory purpose is to supervise and provide guidance to healthcare and social services providers, alcohol administration authorities and environmental health bodies and to manage related licensing activities.[1]
Valvira was created through a merger of the National Authority for Medicolegal Affairs (Finnish: Terveydenhuollon oikeusturvakeskus; TEO) and the National Product Control Agency for Welfare and Health (Finnish: Sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon tuotevalvontakeskus; STTV).[2]