Hospital chief says new addiction treatment needs funding

The Faroese Hospital Service will need additional funding if it is to take on new responsibilities for substance-use and withdrawal treatment, its director Per Busk told KVF.

Health Minister Eyðdis Hartmann Niclasen has asked the service to explain how such a treatment programme could be organised within its current framework. The request comes as the service has also been told to cut spending by 6.8 million kroner next year.

The Hospital Service has until Friday, November 6, to submit its proposal. Busk said he welcomed the plan but stressed that new responsibilities require more funding.

A new working group is also examining how treatment for substance use should be organised and is due to make recommendations by July next year. The Faroe Islands adopted a comprehensive plan in 2022 with 58 recommendations to prevent and reduce substance misuse. The issue has gained attention following the television documentary “Leivur vil liva.”