More GPs than ever in permanent employment

There has been a great shortage of GP for many years, and many GP surgeries have been staffed by substitute doctors.

But this situation has now changed, as 28 of the country’s 34 GP positions are now filled by doctors in permanent positions.

The six GP positions still manned by substitutes are Tórshavn, Klaksvík, each with one open position, and two in Eysturoys’ Skálafjørður region and two in Suðuroy.

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“We now have more GPs in permanent employment than ever before,” says Egil á Bø, the head of Heilsutrygd (the Public Health Insurance). 

“One reason for this is that more newly qualified doctors are moving back to the Faroes and have applied for GP jobs.” 

The Association of General Practitioners last year signed a contract with the finance ministry leading to a significant pay-rise for GPs. This has also been a key factor in the improved situation, he says.

Translated by prosa.fo