Norway health organizations respond to Health Personnel Plan 2040

Professional health organizations in Norway are submitting consultation responses regarding the Health Personnel Plan 2040, a strategy designed to address increasing labor shortages in the healthcare and care services sectors. The plan aims to increase the workforce supply and improve resource efficiency to ensure sustainable services and patient safety.

The Norwegian Acupuncture Association (Akupunkturforeningen) has highlighted that acupuncturists possess significant clinical expertise, including four-year NOKUT-approved bachelor's degrees. They argue that their ability to identify serious conditions and refer patients to the formal health system is vital as they increasingly act as primary contacts. The association notes that while they are recognized in certain capacities, they currently lack formal authorization as health personnel.

Similarly, the Norwegian Osteopath Federation (Norsk Osteopatforbund) supports the need for workforce measures but criticizes limitations within the current plan. They argue that the plan focuses too narrowly on physiotherapists, manual therapists, and chiropractors within publicly funded services. The federation advocates for a broader inclusion of all authorized professionals specializing in musculoskeletal issues—including osteopaths and naprapaths—to ensure effective task distribution and resource utilization across both public and private sectors.