In addition to hepatitis C testing and treatment, the Alppikatu service point offers testing for HIV and hepatitis B and examinations of the liver.
Helsinki is focusing on treatment of hepatitis C
The City of Helsinki’s substance abuse services are developing hepatitis C testing and treatment. In 2026 and 2027, the City will make hepatitis C services an integral part of substance abuse treatment work in contexts such as opioid substitution treatment, detoxification treatment, institutional rehabilitation and substance abuse services for young people.
In the past, low-threshold testing for hepatitis C has been provided by Symppis services. These activities will also continue at the Symppis day activity centres in the future.
In autumn 2025, Helsinki launched a mobile service that takes hepatitis C testing and treatment wherever people are. Similarly to the Alppikatu service point, the mobile service point operating from a van offers hepatitis B testing, HIV testing and examinations of the liver.
- We want to further facilitate access to treatment for hepatitis C. In Helsinki, you can undergo an examination and start treatment quickly, without an appointment, says Aila Ronkanen, Acting Substance Abuse Services Manager of the City of Helsinki, with satisfaction.
- Feel free to contact, call or visit us at the Alppikatu service point, Symppis or the mobile service. If you are staying in Helsinki but do not live here, you can also contact us as a non-resident,” Ronkanen advises.
The service point located at Alppikatu 2 is available from Monday to Friday, 9.00–15.00, tel. +358 50 572 5013, +358 40 162 7074.
Hepatitis C infection should be treated early
Hepatitis C is transmitted through the blood. The use of injected drugs, as well as piercing and tattooing with shared equipment, are risk factors for infection. Hepatitis C infection is usually asymptomatic. Symptoms usually appear only after a long period of illness. The most serious consequences of hepatitis C are cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
The new Alppikatu service point is part of a project to eliminate hepatitis C, launched by the City of Helsinki’s substance abuse services in autumn 2025. Helsinki has received funding for the project from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The City will bear the cost of the medication used in the project. Helsinki is committed to the WHO’s goal of eliminating hepatitis C.