Norwegian Health Care System

Norway has an estimated population of around 4.9 million people, spread over a land area of 148,750 square miles. Throughout this Norwegian landmass, there are roughly 300 hospitals located within the country. This makes Norway one of the most sparsely populated countries in all of Europe. Health care is vital to every country around the world. In the 1900’s, Norway established a Health Care System to keep its country one of the happiest countries around the world. Within Norway, the health care system claims that they provide a free healthcare system, and overall best medical care for its patients. However this paper will include some contradictions within Norway’s Health care system, and offer suggestions on how to improve the Norwegian

With Norwegian hospitals having low expense, one would wonder how many people walk in for minor care. Norwegian hospitals are set up very similar to hospitals in the United States. A patient in need of medical attention has two options: one would be to call for an appointment with a physician, the other would be to directly enter the emergency center. A general physician is the first call made by Norwegians needing medical care, and patients are able to register with their doctor of choice. After seeing the general physician, and needing further medical care, there are multiple routes that are able to be taken. If a patient is in need of a specialized physician, a general physician is the only one who is able to give you a referral to such doctors. If a patient is still in need of emergency care, they have the ability to transfer you over as well. In Norway, all citizens are granted free emergency care regardless of their status. Just like in The United States, Emergency rooms are open all hours of the day, all year long. So, within both the United States and Norway, instead of going to a physician first for medical care, you have the ability to enter the emergency center right