Healthcare waiting times in Norway reach historical highs, says Erna Solberg

The waiting times for healthcare services in Norway have reached unprecedented levels, according to Erna Solberg, the leader of the Conservative Party and former Prime Minister. Recent statistics from the Health Directorate reveal that as of August 2024, the average waiting time for specialized healthcare services is 85.2 days, the longest recorded since data tracking began in 2012.

Solberg plans to reverse current government policies in various areas, asserting that their previous strategies were effective. “Sometimes, the old medicine works best,” she stated, urging that health queues should be a key issue in the upcoming election campaign and linking them to broader societal problems like sick leave.

During a visit to Haraldsplass Diakonale Hospital in her hometown of Bergen, Solberg highlighted the inefficiencies in the healthcare policy. According to Petter Thornam, the hospital’s deputy managing director, while they treat more patients than ever, financing does not keep pace, making it challenging to extend operating hours to reduce waiting lists.

The Conservative Party advocates for a shift in hospital funding to be more closely aligned with the number of patients treated, a model referred to as performance-based funding. Solberg emphasized the need for hospitals to be incentivized to treat more patients.

In contrast, the current government, led by Health and Care Minister Jan Christian Vestre, argues that the Conservatives lack a coherent plan to resolve the healthcare backlog. Vestre cites the introduction of the “waiting time initiative” in May, which he believes is already yielding results. He warns that altering the funding model could pose significant risks.

With both parties recognizing the urgency of addressing healthcare delays, this issue is poised to be a crucial topic in the upcoming elections.