Karmen Joller
Estonian Reform Party
In undertaking to perform the duties of a member of the Government of the Republic, I am aware that I shall bear responsibility in this office before the Republic of Estonia and my conscience. I solemnly swear to remain faithful to the constitutional order of the Republic of Estonia and to devote my strength to securing the welfare and future of the people of Estonia.
25 March 2025, Tallinn
Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Estonia from 25 March 2025.
Karmen Joller was born on 3 January 1976 in Rakvere. She is married and the mother of a big family.
Career
- 2023–2025 Member of the XV Riigikogu
- 2016–2025 Family physician at the Kivimäe Family Physician Centre
- 2006–2016 Family physician at the Telliskivi Family Physician Centre
- 2005–2006 Family physician at the Meditiim limited liability company
- 1999–2016 Freelance translator and editor
Education
Karmen Joller graduated from the University of Tartu in 2001 with a degree in medicine, completing the internship in 2002 and the family medicine residency in 2005.
Other
In 2011 Joller was awarded the Rescue Service Medal, and in 2021 she received the Tallinn Order of Merit. She was named Volunteer of the Year in 2007, Doctor of the Year in 2017 and Medical Influencer in 2018.
Joller is a member of the Estonian Society of Family Physicians and the Estonian Medical Association, and she also participates in the Voluntary Reserve Rescue Group and Vox Rationis non-profit associations.
About the job of the Minister of Social Affairs
The Minister of Social Affairs heads the Ministry of Social Affairs and is responsible for its area of governance.
The minister is appointed and released from office by the President of the Republic on the proposal of the prime minister. The minister will assume office by taking an oath of office before the Riigikogu.
- The Minister of Social Affairs is responsible for the planning and organization of social security, social welfare, and the pension system; the cross-border coordination of social security systems; ensuring children's rights and promoting their well-being; enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities and coordinating related activities; public health protection; healthcare and the development of the health system; health insurance; as well as pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
- The Minister of Social Affairs represents Estonia in the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council of the European Union in matters relating to social policy and health.
- The institutions within the area of responsibility of the Minister of Social Affairs include the Social Insurance Board, the Health Board, the State Agency of Medicines, the National Institute for Health Development, the Health and Welfare Information Systems Centre (TEHIK), the Health Insurance Fund, the Estonian Foundation for People with Disabilities, Hoolekandeteenused AS, as well as the foundations North Estonia Medical Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Viljandi Hospital, Jõgeva Hospital, and the Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre.
Ministry of Social Affairs
The mission of the Ministry of Social Affairs is to develop a living environment, where everyone has equal chances to live in dignity.
Read moreOrganisation of work of the Government of the Republic
The government implements the state’s domestic and foreign policy. The government makes decisions on a collegial basis on behalf of the executive. The competence of ministers in managing ministries and the areas of responsibility of ministers are determined with an order of the prime minister.