Faroese health minister warns of urgent need for hospital building repairs

The Faroese government must address a critical maintenance backlog in hospital infrastructure, with annual repair costs projected at 87 million kronur over the next 15 years, health minister Eyðdis Hartmann Niclasen told public broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

Niclasen described the situation as “serious,” following a government audit that revealed the three national hospitals require approximately one billion kronur in upgrades over the next decade and a half. Annual maintenance alone will demand 18 million kronur to keep facilities operational.

“This is something we must address immediately,” the minister stated. “We will review the audit findings thoroughly to ensure full transparency about the conditions of these buildings.”

The newly appointed coalition government is currently finalising its budget proposal for the coming year, with Niclasen pushing to secure funding for the hospital repairs. The audit, conducted by the national property agency Landsverk, highlights structural deficiencies that risk escalating costs if left unaddressed.

Failure to act could lead to deteriorating infrastructure, increased safety risks, and higher long-term expenses, the report warns. The minister emphasised that delaying repairs would only compound financial and operational challenges for the healthcare system.