Health system needs ‘fundamental changes’

Pál Weihe is a veteran in the Faroese health system. In addition to being the head of the Doctors’ Association, he spent more than ten years as a chief medical officer. 

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The heated debate between politicians and health professional, which culminated in last week’s resignation from the National Hospital’s CEO, comes as no surprise to Weihe.

He does not hesitate to pick sides in this debate, agreeing with all those who insist that health professionals should be put in place as intermediaries between the health system and the political system.

Wipe the slate clean

A possible solution to the general problems in the health system, he says, would be to wipe the slate clean and set up a chief medical officer position, which would oversee the entire DKK 1.2 billion health budget.

“I have for many years suggested the establishment of a centralised administration, which is responsible for the daily running of the entire health system, ie. hospitals and GPs,” he says.

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“This administration would have a dual function: to oversee the strategic planning of all units within the health system while also ensuring that the budget goals are reached. This could solve many problems, but none of this would work unless health professionals are included in the decision-making process.”

Translated by prosa.fo