Norwegian Residents Rarely Use This. The Minister Wants to Change That
Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre encourages patients to exercise their right to choose where they receive treatment. This can shorten waiting times for procedures by several weeks or even months. The differences in queues between facilities are significant, even within the same regions.
Information about waiting times is available on the Helse Norge website.
Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa
Vestre points out that many patients are unaware of the so-called "fritt sykehusvalg," or free choice of hospital. This solution has been in place for nearly 25 years and covers both public hospitals and private ones operating on behalf of the state.
The minister emphasizes that patients can check available appointments in other parts of the country. As an example, he mentions hip replacement surgeries, where the waiting time ranges from 6–14 weeks in Kongsberg to 48–74 weeks in Moss. Patients are also entitled to support for travel expenses.
The minister emphasizes that patients can check available appointments in other parts of the country. As an example, he mentions hip replacement surgeries, where the waiting time ranges from 6–14 weeks in Kongsberg to 48–74 weeks in Moss. Patients are also entitled to support for travel expenses.
Read also
The government has presented a plan for Norway. Migration, economy, and security to change
Free Choice Also Applies to Other Services
There are also large differences in other services, including treatment for sleep apnea and urinary incontinence. In the Midt-Norge region, a private clinic in Trondheim offers treatment within 2–4 weeks, while in Namsos it takes 8–14 weeks.
In the Lofoten municipalities, treatment for urinary incontinence takes up to 24 weeks. In Bodø, the waiting time reaches 48 weeks including diagnostics. The minister notes that not all facilities regularly update their queue data.
In the Lofoten municipalities, treatment for urinary incontinence takes up to 24 weeks. In Bodø, the waiting time reaches 48 weeks including diagnostics. The minister notes that not all facilities regularly update their queue data.
The government declares that cooperation with private entities remains under public control.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license
Government Announces Greater Openness to the Private Sector
The government plans to require health regions to better inform patients and update waiting time data more frequently. In 2026, regional contracts will also include an instruction to make broader use of private and non-profit facilities. The goal is to utilize the entire available infrastructure of the healthcare system.
Vestre also declares talks with general practitioners to ensure they inform patients more often about their rights. According to the minister, this should speed up patients’ return to work and daily life.
Vestre also declares talks with general practitioners to ensure they inform patients more often about their rights. According to the minister, this should speed up patients’ return to work and daily life.
Different Opinions on the Planned Changes
At the same time, the government's proposals are facing opposition from some political and trade union circles. Critics fear a long-term increase in the role of private companies in the public system.
However, the minister emphasizes that cooperation with private entities takes place within the framework of public funding and control. The announced changes are to be developed as part of the government's "Plan for Norway."
However, the minister emphasizes that cooperation with private entities takes place within the framework of public funding and control. The announced changes are to be developed as part of the government's "Plan for Norway."
How do you rate this article?