Norway GP sick‑leave payment scheme faces ethical criticism

From 1 July, Norway introduced a new tariff for general practitioners that pays higher fees when doctors do not issue sick‑leave certificates: 5 kr for a full note, 25 kr for a graded note and 50 kr for no note at all. The government says the measure should reduce sick‑leave rates and encourage graded certifications.

Health‑and‑care committee leader Kjersti Toppe (Centre Party) has called the scheme unethical, arguing it threatens trust between doctors and patients. She sent an interpellation to Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre demanding an immediate halt and a revision of the rates. Critics, including physician Per Fugelli, warn that linking doctors' income to sick‑leave decisions undermines professional autonomy and could erode public confidence in medical advice.

The policy is set to run for a year, but opposition from doctors and political figures suggests it may be reconsidered before its expiry.