– This is something the government will put in place because it is important. We are starting the work and must get back to the facility and the time for when this will be ready, says Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre in an email to NTB.
When the government presented the first part of its drug reform on 25 October, the Minister of Health came up with a piece of news that many have wanted:
– We believe that it is time to establish good drug analysis services, which therefore allow people who use drugs to check the content of a drug. We believe that this is absolutely necessary. There has been important input from the user organisations, said Vestre.
He also said that the government is “working to get this in place as quickly as we can”.
Confused
This made MDG leader Arild Hermstad satisfied. But when Hermstad sat down with the Storting message itself, he was confused. The government is far less clear there.
“The government sees such an analysis service as a possible measure, especially in view of the potent drugs that are now also being discovered in Norway,” the document states.
So what does the government really mean?
MDG has now sent Vestre a written question in the Storting, where they are asking for clarification.
Clear speech
However, before MDG submitted the question, NTB asked the Minister of Health about the same. And in his answer he is clear:
– What I said at the press conference is what applies, says Vestre.
Hermstad sees the clarification as a bright spot, but is still not completely reassured.
– But why on earth is it not in the message itself then, and why can’t he time this exactly? The government has messed around for three years without presenting its announced reform, and with a cry of distress managed to deliver a half-finished reform, and far from any comprehensive drug policy. This is frivolous towards a group that needs help now, he says.
#Confusion #arrangement #drug #testing #place
**Interview with Norwegian Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre on Universal Health Care**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Vestre. Norway’s health care system is often praised for its universality. Can you tell us why this is a priority for the government?
**Minister Vestre:** Absolutely. Universal health care is fundamental to the welfare of our society. It ensures that every resident, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to essential health services. This equitable approach not only improves overall public health but also strengthens our communities.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your recent communication that the government is working on improving health facilities. What specific changes can we expect?
**Minister Vestre:** We are committed to enhancing our health infrastructure. This includes upgrading existing facilities and possibly building new ones to cater to the growing needs of the population. We’ll be assessing the feasibility of these projects and setting timelines for their completion in the coming months.
**Interviewer:** How do you believe these improvements will impact patient care in Norway?
**Minister Vestre:** Improved facilities will lead to better patient experiences and outcomes. With more resources and upgraded technologies, our health care professionals will be better equipped to provide timely and effective care. This is about ensuring that every individual receives the attention and medical support they need when they need it.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Vestre, for your insights on Norway’s health care system and the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance it. We look forward to seeing the positive changes ahead.
**Minister Vestre:** Thank you for having me. Our goal is to ensure health equity for all Norwegians, and we are determined to make this a reality.
