Icelandic Health Minister to Amend Draft Regulations After Doctor Criticism

Icelandic Health Minister Alma Möller plans to revise draft regulations for healthcare services after general practitioners voiced strong opposition. The proposed changes, currently open for public comment, were criticized for potentially altering the fundamental role and operation of healthcare centers.

General practitioners argued that the draft regulations implied an end to the system where citizens are typically registered with a specific family doctor. This concern led to significant backlash, prompting Möller to acknowledge that the wording in the draft was not sufficiently clear. She stated that the government's vision is for all citizens to have a dedicated family doctor.

Möller confirmed that the specific clause causing concern would be amended. The original wording would have stated that individuals are "generally registered with a general practitioner or a multidisciplinary healthcare team." The minister conceded that the provision should have been phrased more clearly to reflect the government's commitment to consistent GP registration. Additionally, Möller announced an extension of the public comment period for the draft regulations, citing the need to accommodate summer leave schedules.

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The provision should have been phrased more clearly, stating that individuals are 'generally registered with a general practitioner or a multidisciplinary healthcare team.' Therefore, it is clear that the provision in the draft regulation will be changed.