Norway Center Party leader opposes ambulance service cuts

Center Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum is criticizing plans to reduce ambulance preparedness in several parts of Norway. He argues that further centralization could weaken basic emergency services and intends to bring the matter to the Storting.

Specific processes in Helse Nord and Helse Møre og Romsdal may lead to fewer ambulances, while proposed reductions in Nordland have faced political opposition. Vedum has announced a proposal to pause any processes involving reduced service, longer response times, or further centralization until Parliament can address national ambulance preparedness as a whole.

Vedum also criticized the health enterprise model, suggesting that bureaucracy has gained too much influence over service development. He noted a paradox in the sector, stating that there are currently more health directors in Norway than there are ambulances in operation.