– 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 Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre on Norway’s General Health Strategies**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Minister Vestre. There has been significant dialogue about Norway’s new general health strategies. Can you elaborate on the direction the government is heading?
**Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre:** Thank you for having me. We recognize the importance of a cohesive health strategy that addresses the current and future needs of our population. Our government is committed to implementing a comprehensive plan aimed at improving health outcomes across the board.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your recent communication that work is starting on this initiative. What specific areas are you focusing on first?
**Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre:** Initially, we will concentrate on enhancing access to healthcare services and ensuring that our health systems are resilient. This involves addressing both physical health and mental well-being, as well as ensuring that healthcare infrastructure is better equipped to handle challenges.
**Interviewer:** Could you elaborate on the timeline for these strategies? When can citizens expect to see changes?
**Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre:** We are currently in the planning phase and will return to the facilities to map out precise timelines. While I cannot provide specific dates yet, I assure you that we are making this a priority and will communicate our plans as they solidify.
**Interviewer:** How does this initiative align with international health guidelines?
**Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre:** Our strategies are designed in line with recommendations from global health organizations, including the WHO. We aim to ensure that our approaches are not only suited to Norway’s unique context but also contribute to global health goals.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to convey to Norwegians regarding these upcoming health strategies?
**Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre:** I want to reassure the public that their health is our top priority. We are committed to transparency and hope to engage citizens throughout this process to ensure our strategies reflect their needs and concerns.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights, Minister Vestre. We look forward to seeing how these strategies unfold.
**Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre:** Thank you for having me. We’ll be in touch with updates soon.
