1.06 Treatment should be improved
New treatment options will increase public expectations in relation to the health sector in the future.
Lif considers that better accessibility, prevention, treatment and follow-up are essential to ensure a greater proportion of satisfied users – also in the long term.
The increased demands that users will be making on the health sector in the future necessitate major changes. However, Lif is aware that, in principle, the demand for healthcare services is infinite. Thus, a certain cost consciousness as regards consumption is relevant. But it is important that the cost consciousness reflects the overall economic strain within a given disease category viewed in terms of the therapeutic costs.
With the resources, both practical and financial, that the public part of the health system has at its disposal, there is a risk that the divide between the treatments offered and the demands of the users will widen. There must therefore be an ongoing debate on our expectations in relation to the health sector, including whether the funds allocated to the healthcare area in connection with the Budget negotiations are adequate.
Lif recommends that the potential divide be reduced by formulation of health policies setting specific targets. A formulated health policy will provide enhanced scope for assessing the resource requirements.
There is every indication that we already have a very efficient health service, so it might be difficult to release extra resources without jeopardising the quality of treatment. Thus, there is a current need for more resources to the health service.
Lif believes:
- that existing financial resources should be better utilised in areas with a potential for improvements in efficiency,
- that demographic trends, new treatment options and higher expectations will increase the need for more resources in the health service and that, for many years now, the health service has been subject to ”under-investment” by international standards,
- that it is possible to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment if health professionals are given opportunities for better training and access to using the steadily improving medicines,
- that diagnosed cases of illness should be followed up by rapid and effective prevention or treatment,
- that there should be stronger coordination of courses of treatment that have been initiated.
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