In a new report on public governance, the Icelandic National Audit Office criticizes the fact that the government has yet to form a comprehensive plan defining the roles of the various parts of the health care system, reports the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. The minister of health, Jón Kristjánsson, says that health care policy is clear.
The report specifically criticizes that the position of Iceland’s main hospital, Landspítali – Háskólasjúkrahús (Landspitali – University Hospital) has not been defined since the national hospitals have undergone great changes in the last few years. The National Audit Office also states that not having an overall plan or policy reduces the hospital’s capacity to improve on its services. The report also mentions the lack of alternatives for patients discharged from the hospital but who are in need of other, less intensive care, eg, geriatric or nursing care.
The minister of health, Jón Kristjánsson, says that health care policy is clear: basic services should be accessible and substantial in scope and refer people to other, more specialized care centers. The hospital is intended to be a treatment center of last resort within this system.
The Icelandic National Audit Office is an independent auditing and regulatory body operating which reports directly to the Icelandic Parliament, Althingi.
