Ministry of Health and Care Services

Latest from Ministry of Health and Care Services

1. News article14 Oct 2026

   Norwegian Directorate of Health is national digitalisation authority for health care; Norsk helsenett SF provides the infrastructure

   • The Norwegian Directorate of Health and Norsk helsenett SF are two key players in health administration. They plan, run and develop digital solutions in health and care.
   • Since 1 January 2024, the Directorate has been the national authority for digitalisation and information management in the sector. It is to make digital solutions efficient and well connected.
   Digital infrastructureDigitalisationPublic administration
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2. News article14 Oct 2026

   Government and food industry sign Diet Partnership with voluntary but more binding goals through 2030

   • The Diet Partnership was signed on 12 October 2026 by health authorities, food producers, grocery chains, organisations and parts of the food service sector. The aim is to make healthy eating easier.
   • It replaces an older agreement (a letter of intent) and has clearer goals, closer follow-up and new participants. Joining is voluntary.
   BusinessChildren and youthConsumer protection
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3. Guideline13 Oct 2026

   Municipalities must offer health centre and school health services to all children and young people aged 0–20

   • Municipalities must offer health centre and school health services to children and young people aged 0 to 20. Pregnant women and new families also get help at the health centre. Staff must come from different professions.
   • Almost everyone in the target group uses the service. It is the most important service for children, young people, families, expectant parents and new parents.
   Children and youthPublic health
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4. Guideline12 Oct 2026

   People under 67 with major, long-term needs have a statutory right to BPA – new expert committee reports December 2026

   • User-controlled personal assistance (BPA) is a way of organising help from the municipality. The person who needs help decides how the assistance is used. It can include practical help and a support contact.
   • People under 67 with long-term, major needs have a right to get help organised as BPA. The right is set out in section 2-1d of the Patient and User Rights Act.
   DisabilityEqualityLegislation
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5. Guideline12 Oct 2026

   Municipalities cannot charge co-payment for personal care, but may charge for practical help and institutional stays

   • A national regulation says what a municipality can make you pay yourself when you have been granted health and care services. The rules differ for services at home and in institutions.
   • At home, the municipality cannot charge for personal care. This means getting up and going to bed, hygiene, toilet visits, dressing, eating and necessary supervision.
   Consumer protectionDisabilityElder care
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6. 12 Oct 2026

   Norway's substance policy aims to cut harm through prevention and coordinated municipal and specialist services

   • The goal is to reduce the harm of substance use for users, for others and for society. The Ministry of Health and Care Services is in charge.
   • Alcohol and illegal drugs are among the main reasons people in Norway die before age 70. Alcohol problems are much more common than other substance problems.
   DrugsMental healthPublic health
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7. Guideline8 Oct 2026

   Municipalities hold broad responsibility for substance use services, from prevention to treatment and follow-up

   • Municipalities must give people with substance use problems the same health services as everyone else. The public health and alcohol laws also require them to prevent harm. The Social Services Act covers other welfare services.
   • Municipalities decide how to organise the services. Often they are linked to the mental health service.
   Mental healthMunicipalitiesPublic health
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8. Law8 Oct 2026

   Comprehensive reform of Norway's drug policy with health priority, new criminal regulation, and strengthened prevention and treatment services

   • Norway has created a new drug policy focusing on helping dependent users with small drug amounts and continuing punishments for others.
   • A new law will fine or imprison for personal use and possession of small drug amounts but lets addicted persons avoid harsh punishments.
   Children and youthDrugsMental health
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9. News article8 Oct 2026

   Government opts for competitive dialogue, not direct award, for new air ambulance aircraft contract

   • The government has decided that the new air ambulance plane contract will use a 'competitive dialogue'. The state talks with possible providers and sets requirements along the way. This gives more control and protects staff if the provider changes.
   • The current contract with Avincis ends 30 June 2030. Work starts now so emergency cover stays in place across the country.
   AviationHospitalPreparedness
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10. News article7 Oct 2026

    Government proposes NOK 4 billion for about 1,750 round-the-clock care places in 2027 and scraps special grant requirements

    • The government proposes spending NOK 4 billion in 2027 to build and renovate about 1,750 places with round-the-clock care, such as nursing home places. That is 250 more than in 2026.
    • The government wants to remove all grant requirements that do not come from other rules. Requirements in the building regulations (TEK17), such as universal design, and in the Working Environment Act stay.
    Construction rulesElder careMunicipalities
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